Schopffrankolin

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Schopffrankolin
Schopffrankolin in the Kruger National Park

Schopffrankolin in the Kruger National Park

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Chicken birds (Galliformes)
Family : Pheasants (Phasianidae)
Genre : Frankoline ( Francolinus )
Type : Schopffrankolin
Scientific name
Francolinus sephaena
( Smith , 1836)

The crested francolin ( Francolinus sephaena ) is a type of species of Frankoline from the family of pheasant-like (Phasianidae).

features

The Schopffrankolin is an approximately 33-35 cm long francolin, which is characterized by a white eyebrow band that contrasts with the dark cap. The beak is black. The breast is darkly spotted, with the females being more clearly marked. The back is reddish brown, the belly pale and finely striped. The tail is often carried erect. The legs are reddish. The eyebrow band is more yellowish brown in young animals.

distribution

The distribution area of ​​the Schopffrankolin extends over large parts of East and South Africa from southern Sudan , Ethiopia and Somalia in the north to Natal and Namibia in the south.

Way of life

The Schopffrankolin lives together in family groups of 2 to 5 animals. As with many Frankolines, the basic social structure is formed by a monogamous couple. It lives in dense undergrowth along rivers in the thorn savannah and, in the event of danger, prefers to flee into the thicket than to be blown up. The animals are particularly noisy at dawn and dusk, and people spend the night in trees.

The food consists of small animals, grains and other parts of plants. Acacia tree resins make up a large part of the diet in winter .

proof

  • Ian Sinclair: Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, South Africa, 1994 (Third edition), ISBN 1-86825-510-7 .
  • Vincent Carruthers: The Wildlife of Southern Africa: A Field Guide to the Animals and Plants of the Region. Struik Publishers, South Africa, 2005, ISBN 1-86872-451-4 .
  • Louis Liebenberg: A Field Guide to the Animal Tracks of Southern Africa. New Africa Books, 1990, ISBN 0-86486-132-X .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Van Niekerk, JH: Social and breeding behavior of the crested francolin in the Rustenburg district, South Africa . South African Journal of Wildlife Research, Vol. 31, no. 1-2, pp. 35-42. 2001.
  2. ^ Van Niekerk, JH: Notes on the winter diet of the crested francolin in South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, Vol. 31, no. 1-2, pp. 66-67. 2001.

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