Crested Francolin
Ortygornis sephaena
Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) — Gamebirds of Africa.
Found across 6 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 340 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Galliformes
- Family Phasianidae Pheasants & Allies
- Genus Ortygornis
- Species sephaena
Quick facts
- Weight
- 340 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Order
- Galliformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Crested Francolin is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open scrub and shrubland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Crested Francolin is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) belongs to the Phasianidae family of the order Galliformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF e, se.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 340 g, with a wing length of about 14.8 cm and a tail of around 8.3 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Crested Francolin?
The Crested Francolin is a large bird that weighs around 340 g.
Where does the Crested Francolin live?
The Crested Francolin is found across Africa with a range covering AF e, se, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the Crested Francolin belong to?
The Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Crested Francolin eat?
The Crested Francolin is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Crested Francolin migrate?
The Crested Francolin is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the Crested Francolin make?
1 real field recording of the Crested Francolin — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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