Bird Guide

Grey Francolin vs Ruffed Grouse

Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus)

Grey Francolin

Ortygornis pondicerianus

This bird is a medium-sized francolin, with males averaging 11.6–13.4 in (29–34 cm) and females averaging 10.2–11.9 in (26–30 cm). The males weigh 9–12 oz (260–340 g), whereas the weight of the females is 7–11 oz (200–310 g). The francolin is barred throughout and the face is pale with a thin, black border to the pale throat. The only similar species is the painted francolin, which has a rufous vent. The male can have up to two spurs on the legs, while females usually lack them. Subspecies O.p. mecranensis is palest and found in arid north-western India, eastern Pakistan, and southern Iran.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sudipto Roy · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Parth Kansara · CC BY 4.0
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

Large531 gShrubland

Ruffed grouse are chunky, medium-sized birds that weigh from 450–750 g (0.99–1.65 lb), measure from 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) in length, and span 50–64 cm (20–25 in) across their short, strong wings. They have two distinct morphs - grey and brown. In the grey morph, the head, neck, and back are grey-brown; the breast is light with barring, with as much white on the underside and flanks. Overall, the birds have a variegated appearance; the throat is often distinctly lighter. The tail is essentially the same brownish grey, with regular barring and a broad black band near the end ("subterminal").

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Noah Poropat · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Grey Francolin and Ruffed Grouse.