Francolinus francolinus - Black Francolin
Feather characters. Barbule length varies from medium until long (1.3-1.9 mm). Barbules are divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Both vase- and ring-shaped nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (24-26 per mm). Ring shaped nodes are present on basal- and middle- section of basal barbules. Some nodes become detached and form groups. These multiple nodes may be hard to find. Towards distal part, nodes gradually decrease in size and become vase shaped. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Prongs are absent. Occasionally some minute prongs may be found on distal end of barbules.
Field characters. Size 33-36 cm. Weight: male 425-550 g, female 400-500 g (Cramp (chief ed.), 1979). Fairly large game-bird; size exceeds that of Chukar Patridge. Male dark. Head, neck, and underparts black, with white cheek-patch, chestnut/black flecked crown, chestnut collar and vent, and white spots on uppermantle, sides of breast, and flanks. Back and uppertail finely barred, appearing grey; wings black-barred chestnut. Female duller; warm-brown, mottled with black arrow-shaped marks, especially on chest and flank; head largely buff with black moustache; chestnut collar restricted to hind-neck. In flight, both sexes show black outer tail-feathers. Juvenile resembles female but chest markings less obvious, more streaky. Secretive, hiding in thickets, difficult to flush (runs away), but makes presence known by distinctive call.
Voice. Advertising call of male a loud and sharp 'kek, keek keek-kek-kik ki-keek', often repeated; also a rasping 'kar-kar, ke ke ke'. Calls from mound or bush, most intensely during dusk and dawn.
Distribution. Resident of Near and Middle East; locally quite common, but range has strongly contracted in last centuries. Vulnerable to severe winters. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Densely vegetated low-altitude terrain, like shrub-covered riverbeds or irrigated cultivations.
Food. Omnivorous, mainly seeds (of grasses and weeds) and insects.