Photo: Zieger M / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Swierstra’s Spurfowl
Pternistis swierstrai
Swierstra's Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai) — Gamebirds of Africa.
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 460 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Galliformes
- Family Phasianidae Pheasants & Allies
- Genus Pternistis
- Species swierstrai
Quick facts
- Weight
- 460 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Order
- Galliformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai) is a member of the Phasianidae family, within the order Galliformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF w Angola.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 460 g, with a wing length of about 17.9 cm and a tail of around 8.8 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 18,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Swierstra’s Spurfowl?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is a large bird that weighs around 460 g.
Where does the Swierstra’s Spurfowl live?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is found across Africa with a range covering AF w Angola, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Swierstra’s Spurfowl belong to?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Swierstra’s Spurfowl eat?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Swierstra’s Spurfowl migrate?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Swierstra’s Spurfowl endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
How large is the Swierstra’s Spurfowl's range?
The Swierstra’s Spurfowl has a mapped global range of about 18,000 km².
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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