Red-billed Francolin

(Francolinus adspersus)

• Avicultural Data
• Images
• Bibliography
• Links

Other Names: Pternistis adspersus, Close-barred Francolin

Range: South-western Africa

Habitat: Dry scrubland savanna and flood plains.

Brief Description: The overall plumage of this species is finely barred with black and white; a dark face highlights the yellow eye-ring; bill and legs red. Sexes are similar, with males being slightly larger and spurred.

Status in Wild: Widely distributed in suitable habitat

Avicultural Data

Status in Aviculture: This species was once kept in good numbers in American aviculture, but it is doubtful any remain.

Clutch Size: 4 to 10

Incubation Period: 19-20 days

Misc. Aviculture Notes: I have heard rumors of birds being imported in the last few years, but am not sure of their status. It is believed that they fell into the hands of those looking for a profit and not in those interested in establishing a viable captive breeding program. A sorry, sad fact that all too often occurs in aviculture.

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
(l to r):.

Any help with photos would be greatly appreciated; e-mail dan@animalwonders.net if you can help.

• Johnsgard, P.A. 1988. The Quails, Partridges, and Francolins of the World. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
• Madge, S., McGowan, P. 2002. Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
• Robbins, G.E.S. 1998. Partridges & Francolins, their Conservation, Breeding & Management. World Pheasant Association.
• Sinclair, I., Ryan, P. 2003. Birds of Africa, South of the Sahara. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
• Sinclair, I., Hockey, P., Tarboton, W., 2002. Birds of Southern Africa. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

Links related to this species. Please note, links will open in a new window/tab, depending on your browser setting.

• Francolinus adspersus Images - Images of this species located at the Phasianidae group on flickr.
• Red-billed Francolin - African Bird Image Database by African Bird Club/Birding Africa.
• Red-billed Francolin - Mangoverde World Bird Guide Species Page; Images & Sounds.
• Wikipedia - Red-billed Francolin - Wikipedia's species page.