Swainson's Spurfowl
Pternistis swainsonii
Also known as: Swainson's Francolin
About This Species
A ground-dwelling francolin of southern African bushveld and savanna, best known for its loud, raucous crowing calls given at dawn and dusk that often reveal its presence before it is seen. It forages on the ground for seeds, insects and bulbs, usually singly or in small family groups, and is common and confiding in many game reserves. Early morning drives or walks in reserve bushveld are the most reliable way to see one.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- As a ground-nesting bird it is important to stay on tracks and avoid pushing through low vegetation where a nest or chicks could be hidden.
- It tolerates vehicles reasonably well in reserves used to game viewing, but approaching on foot should be done slowly and with plenty of space left to retreat.
- General wildlife protection rules apply within the reserves where it is most commonly encountered.
LCAvesGalliformesPhasianidae
Seasonal Activity
150,677 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
Photo
(c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.