The Black Francolin was once heavily shot for food but now its greatest threats are probably pesticides in agricultural land and the destruction of tracts of grass.

It a wide distribution for this breeding resident which inhabits agricultural crops and thick grass. It favours sugarcane, wheat and mustard. This is particularly so in spring and summer when the males are calling their distinctive “chirrik cheek chereek”. This call is preceded by a distinct click if you are close enough to hear it. The call has been transliterated as “E subhan teri kudrat” or “Oh Lord it is your kingdom”!

The Black Francolin is much more secretive than the Grey. It inhabits in most of our area, lusher vegetation, hence it is much more difficult to see. It is also more crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn). It breeds before the rains as it is a ground-nester and it mostly calls only during the breeding season. Fortunately then the males have a habit of sitting on a high perch such a fence post or tree branch. The Black Francolin is a very striking bird. The white cheek patch contrasting with the black foreneck and chestnut breast stand out at some distance. The young are precocial. They leave the nest as soon as they are dry after hatching.