Family Pheasants, Partridges, Turkeys, Grouse (Phasianidae)
Near Threatened
Harwood's Francolin (Pternistis harwoodi)
Taxonomy
French: Francolin de Harwood German: Harwoodfrankolin Spanish: Francolín de Harwood
Other common names:
Harwood's Spurfowl
Taxonomy:
Francolinus harwoodi
Blundell and Lovat
, 1899,Aheafeg, Shoa, Ethiopia
.Distribution:
Very small range in highlands of C Ethiopia around Blue Nile and its tributaries, occurring locally at and around Aheafeg, Jemmu Valley, Kalo Ford, R Muger, Jemma and Jara Valleys, and a few other sites.
Descriptive notes
c. 33–35 cm; one male 545 g, one female 446 g. Differs from wholly allopatric P. natalensis by head pattern and more black and buff underparts, while P.... read more
Voice
Male advertising call is a very harsh, grating “kuree”, repeated 3–4 times,... read more
Habitat
Large, dense Typha beds with scattered trees, along small, shallow watercourses; feeds in... read more
Food and feeding
Tubers, possibly those of Dioscorea; seeds, including those of the grass Echinochloa; berries, including Amaranthus... read more
Breeding
Polygamy speculated, although unknown in other Afrotropical Francolinus. Season perhaps commences as early as May/Jun and eggs... read more
Movements
Sedentary. Moves out into sorghum fields to feed; if alarmed, flies back into reedbeds.
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened. Currently listed as Near Threatened. Mace Lande: safe. Previously considered Vulnerable. Little known, but considered locally common in suitable... read more
Has been included in genus Chaetopus. This species is possibly closest to P. bicalcaratus, P. icterorhynchus and P. clappertoni. Monotypic.