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Natal (Francolin) Spurfowl (Pternistes natalensis)

Other names:
Afrikaans: Natalse Fisant
French: Francolin du Natal
German: Natalfrankolin
Dutch: Natal-frankolijn

The Natal Francolin is a common species of thicker woodland, riverine gullies, coastal bush and the edges of forests. It is usually seen in small parties foraging in the undergrowth, or close to cover. It may become tame at picnic spots and camping grounds. It roosts in large trees and is a very noisy bird. The call is a loud, screeching crow starting with explosive chattering notes and then fading away: Chakkity-chakkity-chakkity, chee cheeky, Kacheeeky, Ka-cheeky.

Weight & Size:
Males ± 600 g
Females ± 400 g
30-38 cm

Identification:
The size is medium, it is a uniform dull brown on top and black below, the bill and legs are an orange red
Distribution
Found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, eastern Botswana and north eastern South Africa

Status:
Common resident

Habitat:
Dense thickets along water courses, mountains and Acacia bushveld

Habits:
In pairs most of the time
They often call at dawn and dusk
Roost in the branches of trees at night

Food:
Insects, roots, fruit and seeds

Breeding:
All months of the year
Nest : The nest is a scrape in the ground, which is lined with roots, grass and stalks - it is well hidden under thorny tangles or shrubs.
Clutch : 5-8 eggs
Incubation : About 21 days

Used to be known as francolin... Natal Spurfowl?

It's a new species called Juvenile Spurfowl.

On the S50

Photographed this bird in Biyamiti bush camp.

The photos are of the same bird in the same spot. The first photo was taken while I was kneeling and the second while I was lying flat on the ground. Demonstrates the difference the angle at which a photo is taken makes.

We saw this Natal Francolin at our time share by Kruger. Every day he/she would appear to lose his/her mate and then yell and scream as only a Natal Francolin can.

Larger view

Unfortunatly i do not have a photo, but i normally see them on the side of the rode in kruger or in the camps. I absoultly LOVE their call!!!!!

A tree-dwelling Natal Spurfowl, seen on the S114 in Kruger this year.