Red-necked spurfowl

Scientific name: Pternistis afer

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

A stocky gamebird with a distinctive bare red neck and face patch contrasting with dark plumage on the head and back. Males are larger and more heavily spurred than females; both sexes show rufous flanks and a white belly.

Size and weight

Males 27–33 cm, 0.7–0.9 kg; females 25–30 cm, 0.55–0.75 kg.

Habitat

Red-necked spurfowl inhabit dry savanna, thornbush, and rocky hillsides from sea level to approximately 2,000 m elevation. They favour areas with scattered trees and bare ground interspersed with grass and low shrub.

Distribution

Endemic to South Africa, concentrated in the northern provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga) and extending into adjacent areas of southern Africa's interior plateau and savanna.

Diet

Primarily seeds, bulbs, and roots scratched from the ground; also insects, small reptiles, and fallen fruits, with availability varying by season.

Behaviour

Strictly diurnal, most active in early morning and late afternoon. Terrestrial and reluctant fliers; move singly or in pairs except during breeding season when small groups form. Run rapidly when disturbed rather than taking flight immediately.

Hunting tips

Look for shallow scrape marks and scattered droppings in dust baths and bare patches—birds use the same spots repeatedly. Approach rocky outcrops and thornbush edges at dawn; move slowly and listen for their distinctive loud, repetitive calls. Use available cover to stalk within 30–40 m; expect explosive flushing and short, low flights toward dense vegetation.

Whole weight

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

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 8 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.