Erckel's Spurfowl
Pternistis erckelii
The Erckel's Spurfowl (Pternistis erckelii) is a rare partridges, pheasants, grouse, and alli found in 3 countries, weighing about 1.2 kg. Erckel's spurfowl, also known as Erckel's francolin, is a species of game bird in the family Phasianidae.
About the Erckel's Spurfowl
Erckel's spurfowl, also known as Erckel's francolin, is a species of game bird in the family Phasianidae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The largest African spurfowl, Erckel's spurfowl is 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length, with females being slightly smaller than males. Males grow to 1.05–1.59 kg (2.3–3.5 lb), based on a sample of three specimens, and a single female specimen was observed to weigh 1.136 kg (2.50 lb). Males and females have similar plumage. The body is covered with stripes of chestnut-color, on its upperside and underside. It has a black face and bill, a chestnut-colored head top and back of neck, and yellow legs. It has white ear coverts and a single streak of white behind its eye.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Erckel's Spurfowl can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Erckel's Spurfowl?
- The largest African spurfowl, Erckel's spurfowl is 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length, with females being slightly smaller than males. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Erckel's Spurfowl?
- The Erckel's Spurfowl is a large sized bird weighing about 1.2 kg.
- Where can you see an Erckel's Spurfowl?
- The Erckel's Spurfowl occurs in 3 countries, including the United States, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- What birds look similar to an Erckel's Spurfowl?
- The Erckel's Spurfowl is most easily confused with the Yellow-necked Spurfowl, the Double-spurred Spurfowl and the Red-billed Spurfowl.
- Is the Erckel's Spurfowl endangered?
- The Erckel's Spurfowl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Erckel's Spurfowl for real
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