Black Francolin

Identification

The black francolin is a compact gamebird measuring 33 to 36 centimetres in length and weighing around 453 grams. Sexual dimorphism is striking: males are predominantly black with a distinctive white cheek patch, chestnut collar, and white spots on the flanks. The back and wings display intricate scalloping in golden brown with tawny-buff bands and pale edges, while the rounded tail is black with narrow white or greyish bars. The legs and neck are reddish-brown to red. Females are considerably duller, with mainly brown plumage, a chestnut hind neck, and a brown crown with black throat. The white flank spotting varies substantially across the species' range. Distinguished from the similar grey francolin by the black francolin's rufous collar, black throat in males, and overall darker colouration.

Range & Habitat

The black francolin is a resident breeder from southeastern Turkey eastwards through Iran to southwest Turkmenistan and northeast India, with populations also occurring in Bangladesh. Six recognised subspecies are distributed across this range. Historically more widespread, the species' distribution has been fragmented by over-hunting, with populations now reduced across much of the western portion of its range. Introduced populations exist in southwestern Louisiana, southern Florida, Guam, and the Hawaiian Islands.

These birds favour scrubby habitats with cultivated crops tall enough to provide shelter yet open enough beneath for escape routes and easy ground travel. They show strong preference for areas of thick vegetation, typically near water sources, and are not forest birds, though they frequent scrubland and forest edges adjacent to grassland. They are more closely associated with water than chukars in drier regions.

Behaviour & Diet

Black francolins are reluctant fliers, preferring to creep away unseen when disturbed, though when forced to take flight they exhibit the explosive, short direct flight typical of pheasants, punctuated by glides on rounded wings. They are monogamous birds with breeding seasons typically occurring from late March to May, though this varies by range. Males attract mates with an extraordinary creaking call described as a loud ringing "klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik" or variations thereof, delivered while standing on earth mounds, bunds, rocks, or low tree branches. These calls intensify during the breeding season from April onwards and can be heard throughout the day. Both parents tend chicks after hatching, with young remaining with parents through their first winter.

The species forages on the ground for plant material and small invertebrates, including grain, grass seeds, fallen berries, shoots, tubers, termites, and ants. Clutch sizes typically range between 10 and 14 white-spotted olive or pale brown eggs, with incubation lasting 18 to 19 days performed solely by the female.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from April to June offers the best opportunity to locate black francolins, particularly in the early mornings and evenings when males call persistently from elevated perches. Savanna, grassland, and scrub vegetation areas—especially those featuring cultivated crops—are prime habitat. Focus your search in regions near water sources within the species' range spanning southeastern Turkey through Iran to northeast India and Bangladesh. The loud, distinctive calls are your greatest asset in locating these otherwise elusive birds.

Photography Tips

Patience and early morning visits will reward photographers seeking to capture this species. Males standing on exposed perches during the breeding season offer excellent opportunities for portrait photography. The striking contrast between the male's black plumage and white cheek patch, combined with the intricate scalloping on the back and wings, provides compelling subject matter. Use the bird's preference for creeping unseen to your advantage by positioning yourself quietly near suitable habitat and waiting for birds to emerge. The rufous collar and leg colouration are diagnostic field marks worth emphasising in images. Wide-angle shots capturing males on their calling perches against grassland backgrounds effectively convey the bird's habitat and behaviour.