Grey Francolin
Ortygornis pondicerianus
Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus) — Gamebirds of Europe & Northern Asia.
Found across 6 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in Europe & Northern Asia and South & Southeast Asia. Adults weigh 250 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Galliformes
- Family Phasianidae Pheasants & Allies
- Genus Ortygornis
- Species pondicerianus
Where it lives
Southeastern Iran through India and Sri Lanka
Quick facts
- Weight
- 250 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Order
- Galliformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Grey Francolin is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of open grassland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Grey Francolin is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus) belongs to the Phasianidae family of the order Galliformes. It occurs naturally across Europe & Northern Asia and South & Southeast Asia. Its distribution covers PAL, OR se Iran through India and Sri Lanka.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 250 g, with a wing length of about 13.7 cm and a tail of around 7.5 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Grey Francolin?
The Grey Francolin is a large bird that weighs around 250 g.
Where does the Grey Francolin live?
The Grey Francolin is found across Europe & Northern Asia and South & Southeast Asia with a range covering PAL, OR se Iran through India and Sri Lanka, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Grey Francolin belong to?
The Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Grey Francolin eat?
The Grey Francolin is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Grey Francolin migrate?
The Grey Francolin is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the Grey Francolin make?
1 real field recording of the Grey 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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