Spurfowls, like francolins, are part of the pheasant family. Their name comes from the tarsal (leg) spurs that are especially evident in the males. All 23 species of spurfowls are endemic to the African continent, with 6 species occurring in southern Africa.
Continue reading “Terrestrial birds: Southern African spurfowls”
Although they are predominantly brown, there is nothing drab about crested francolins plumage. Their intricately patterned plumage serves to provide effective camouflage for these terrestrial birds. They are named for the dark crest on the head, but as that is only occasionally raised the most noticeable feature is the broad white eyestripe.
Continue reading “Terrestrial birds southern Africa: Crested francolin”
Here is the first in a series of posts on terrestrial birds, defined rather loosely as those species that spend most of their time foraging on the ground, rather than in trees or hunting on the wing. First up is the southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri).
Continue reading “Terrestrial Birds in Southern Africa: Southern Ground Hornbill”