Crested Francolin

Afrikaans name: Bospatrys

Crested Francolin

Photo © Steven Herbert

Dendroperdix sephaena

Crested Francolins are found in many African countries. In South Africa it is found in the northern and north-eastern regions of the country.

Their preferred habitats are bushveld, woodland and other similar habitats with sufficient cover.

The Crested Francolin is normally seen in pairs or small groups.

At times they raise their tail feathers giving them a look like a bantam chicken.

When crossing roads in game reserves they often move very slowly and cautiously, unlike other francolins which either scramble across or stroll across rather casually.

Male and female Crested Francolin have the same colouration.

They eat a variety of insects and plant material.

Up to 7 eggs are laid in the nest which is made on the ground in thick grass or bush.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Camera shy! A Crested Francolin runs for cover when it sees that I am trying to photograph it. Taken at Berg-en-dal Camp in Kruger National Park

Below - Crested Francolin as they are often seen - amongst the grass on the edge of road in a game reserve.

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 86

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 157

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 157

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 70

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 67

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 23

Everyone's Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 57

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 74

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 98

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 142

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 142

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 69

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 117

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 123

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 170

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 166

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 136

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 136

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 62

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 68

List of South African Birds