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GREY FRANCOLIN
(Francolinus pondicerianus)
Other Names: Hyderabadi Francolin, Grey Partridge
Range: Southeastern Iran and Pakistan, throughout India to
Bangladesh, northern Sri Lanka. Has been introduced northern Oman, the
Hawaiian Islands, several islands in the Indian Ocean including Seychelles
and Mauritius. Attempts have been made in the USA, but it is doubtful there
are any sustainable populations.
Subspecies: F. p. mecranensis, F. p. interpositus,
F. p. pondicerianus.
Habitat: Grasslands and scrublands, also cultivated areas and near
villiages.
Description: Sexes are similar with barred plumage; throat, cheeks
and forehead is orange (pondicerianus), light orange-buff (interpositus)
or white (mecranensis), all have dark border below neck; the breast
and abdomen greyish-buff with dark barring; mantle and wings chestnut with
light shaft-streaks and barring. Males maybe slightly larger and develop
spurs. Immature birds lack the dark border patch on neck.
Status in Wild: Considered by many to be the most common game bird
in southwestern Asia and India.
Avicultural Data
 Status in Aviculture: They are established, but not often seen in
many aviaries due to their drab coloration and flighty nature.
Breeding Season: Varies by region and climate, from April to
August.
Clutch Size: 6 to 9
Incubation Period: 18 to 19 days
Misc. Aviculture Notes:
Visitor Submitted Notes: If you would like to add
your experiences with this species
Photo Credits
(l to r): 1-2, Jack Lutes.
Bibliography and Further Reading
- Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. 2000. Birds of Nepal.
Christopher Helm, London; Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
- Hayes, LB. 1995. Upland Game Birds: Their Breeding and Care.
Leland Hayes, Valley Center, CA.
- 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.
- Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterström, D., Grant, P.J. 1999.
Birds of Europe. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
- Robbins, G.E.S. 1998. Partridges & Francolins, their Conservation,
Breeding & Management. World Pheasant Association.
Links
Links related to this species. Please note, links will open in a new
window.
- Annotated List of Hawaii's Breeding Birds - A huge list of breeding
birds in Hawaii, some information regarding Grey Francolin.
- Gray Francolin - US distribution map from i-bird.com.
- World Pheasant Association - Official homepage of the WPA with
membership information, activities and more.
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