Black francolin

Scientific name: Francolinus francolinus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are dark slate-grey to black with prominent white spotting on flanks and underparts; females are brown and more heavily streaked. Both sexes have reddish facial patches and legs; males are noticeably larger and more robust.

Size and weight

Males 28–35 cm, 350–450 g; females 24–28 cm, 250–320 g.

Habitat

Black francolins favour scrubby plains, grasslands, and cultivated fields with scattered bushes and rocky outcrops. They prefer areas near water sources and are typically found from sea level to 2,000 m elevation.

Distribution

Native to the Indian subcontinent from Pakistan and northern India south to the Deccan Plateau; localized populations in parts of Nepal and Bangladesh. Favours drier open scrublands over forest.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding primarily on seeds, insects, and green shoots; diet shifts toward grain and fallen crop matter in winter and post-harvest periods.

Behaviour

Diurnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. Strongly territorial and often solitary or in pairs; run rather than fly when flushed and roost in dense cover or low trees at night.

Hunting tips

Look for droppings and scratch marks in dust and loose soil near feeding areas. Approach into wind across open ground during early morning and late afternoon when birds feed in clearings. Move slowly and use cover; flush by advancing steadily or flushing with dogs, then take birds on the wing as they fly low and fast.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 5 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.