Black Francolin


 

The black francolin belongs to the pheasant family. It was formerly known as the Black Partridge. It is the state bird of Haryana. It is known as Kaala Teetar locally. 

The head of the black francolin is curved with brown iris eyes color and unique pattern of brown color crown and the throat color is black. It has a length ranging from 33 to 36 cm and weight approximate about 453 g and the size of black francolin is 9 to 16 inches. The primary color is black with black breast rufous belly, white spots on flanks, and golden brown spots at the back of the body. The flight pattern of the black francolin is short, direct flight punctuated by glides with rounded wings, rounded tail narrow black and white bars.

Black francolin male

The male black francolin is black with a white patch on the cheek, a chestnut collar, and white spots on the flanks. The back and wings are scalloped with shades of golden brown with sub-terminal tawny-buff bands and pale edges. The tail is black with narrow white or greyish bars. Legs are reddish-brown to red.

Black francolin female

The female is mainly brown but has a chestnut hind neck. The extent of the white spotting on the flanks varies substantially across the species' range and the depth of color of the females similarly varies. The female has the upper plumage, wings, and tail as in the male but the black is replaced by mottled brown and the brown bars on the lower back and tail are wider. Female is similar but dull with no cheek patch, and the collar is replaced with a nuchal patch. The Head and underparts are buff where the male shows black. Rump and upper tail coverts light brown.

Black francolins appear to be found in scrubby habitats with plenty of cultivated crops tall enough to offer shelter and open beneath to provide escape routes and easy travel. They prefer the areas of thick vegetation, usually near water. They are not forest birds but will frequent brushland and wood edges associated with grassland. They appear to be more closely associated with water than chukars are, and in drier areas.

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