Red-necked Spurfowl

Francolinus afer

Other Names

  Red-necked Francolin, Bare-throated Francolin, Cranch's Francolin   Francolin à gorge rouge   Rotkehlfrankolin   Francolín Gorgirrojo   Rödstrupig sporrhöna    Roodkeelfrankolijn   Francolino collorosso

World: Africa: Occurs mostly S of the Equator. Widespread S of the Congo forests from W to E between 0° and 25°S and then SW in a band around the edge of the continent as far S as the Cape.

Kenya: There are 2 subspecies; cranchii (pictured above) found in the Lake Victoria Basin and Mara GR and leucoparaeus found locally in the coastal lowlands.

Unlike the related Yellow-necked Spurfowl this francolin prefers moist areas with dense cover and is comparatively difficult to see. It is active early and late in the day and is found in pairs or small groups. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, tubers, roots, berries and grass stalks although it will also eat insects and their larvae.