Grey Francolin

Latin Name: 
Francolinus pondicerianus
Size: 
35cm
Description: 

Sexes alike. Grey-brown and rufous above, barred and blotched; buffy-rufous below; narrow cross-bars on throat and upper breast; fine black markings on abdomen and flanks; black loop around throat encloses bright rufous-yellow throat; female smaller, with indistinct spur. Small parties, digging and moving amidst scrub and grass; seen on country roads, dust bathing or feeding; quick to take to cover on being alarmed, scattering over the area.

Habitat: 
open scrub, grass, cultivation.
Food: 
cereal grains, seeds, fallen berries, insects.
Distribution: 
resident: all subcontinent, south of Himalayan foothills.
Call: 
Call Description: 
loud, high-pitched 2- to 3-note pat…ee…la; noisy.
National Status: