CRESTED FRANCOLIN
Dendroperdix sephaena
isiKhwehle (Zulu) Bospatrys (Afrikaans)
HABITAT
Occurs in the sub-tropical northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal in bushveld, riverine forest,
dense woodland near rocky koppies and on cultivated lands
TYPE This is a medium sized francolin with a black bill and reddish legs. The
belly is finely barred, the chest heavily streaked and the head striped light and dark. The crest
is only visible when the bird is alarmed. They are usually seen as pairs or family groups.
FOOD
The food consists of bulbs, seeds, berries, insects and molluscs.
BREEDING
They nest between October and May making a sparsely lined scrape on the groud in rank grass
or under dense thorny scrub. Anything up to 9 white, cream or buff eggs are laid.
STATUS
A very common resident.
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