Black Francolin

Francolinus francolinus

Order:

Galliformes

Family:

Phasianidae

Size:

30 to 36 centimeters

Weight:

300 to 450 grams

Taxonomy:

F. f. francolinus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Short Description:

The Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) is a charismatic bird species found throughout Pakistan, inhabiting a variety of habitats including grasslands, agricultural fields, scrublands, and forest edges. It is known for its striking appearance, particularly the male, which features predominantly black plumage with white speckles and distinct white markings on the face and throat. In contrast, the female has more subdued brownish plumage with less prominent markings. Both males and females have a short, rounded tail and strong legs adapted for ground-dwelling. They are relatively small to medium-sized birds, with males measuring between 30 to 36 centimeters in length and females slightly smaller.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

The Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) is widely distributed across Pakistan, inhabiting various habitats ranging from grasslands and agricultural fields to scrublands and forest edges. This species can be found in different regions of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In Punjab and Sindh provinces, the Black Francolin is particularly common in agricultural landscapes, where it forages for seeds, insects, and other food items amidst crops and grassy areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, it inhabits similar habitats but may also be found in rocky areas and scrublands. Additionally, in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, it occurs in forested regions and hilly terrain.

Black Francolins are generally not gregarious birds; they are often seen alone, in pairs, or occasionally in trios, with small groups of around 5 birds observed together during the nonbreeding season. These birds prefer to stay hidden and only fly when disturbed, displaying a short and direct flight pattern. They are skilled at creeping away unseen rather than taking to the air. Black Francolins are known for their distinctive loud calls, described as ringing “klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik,” “kik-kik-kik,” or “kwee-kweeeee-kwee,” which are most prominent in the mornings and evenings and throughout the breeding season. During breeding, males call from elevated positions like earth mounds or low tree branches, with other birds responding from various directions. They are monogamous birds that nest in tall grasslands from late March to May, with both parents caring for the chicks after hatching. Young Black Francolins stay with their parents through their first winter