Grey Francolin

Ortygornis pondicerianus

Least ConcernCommon

About the Grey Francolin

The grey francolin is a species of francolin found in the plains and drier parts of the Indian subcontinent and Iran. This species was formerly also called the grey partridge, not to be confused with the European grey partridge. They are mainly ground-living birds and are found in open cultivated lands as well as scrub forest and their local name of teetar is based on their calls, a loud and repeated Ka-tee-tar...tee-tar, which is produced by one or more birds. The term teetar can also refer to other partridges and quails. During the breeding season, calling males attract challengers, and decoys were used to trap these birds especially for fighting.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

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.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Grey Francolin sounds like

Recording: Sudipto Roy · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Grey Francolin vs Ruffed Grouse

Learn the Grey Francolin for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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