Red-winged francolin
Scientific name: Scleroptila levaillantii
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Medium-sized francolin with chestnut-red wings contrasting with grey-brown upperparts and barred underparts. Males are larger and heavier than females; both sexes show the distinctive red flight feathers.
Size and weight
Males 300–380 g and 27–30 cm; females 250–320 g and 24–27 cm.
Habitat
Rocky hillsides and grassland plateaus with scattered shrubs and boulders, typically between 1,500–2,500 m elevation. Prefers broken terrain with good visibility and dense cover nearby.
Distribution
Endemic to highland plateaus of central and southern Ethiopia, with isolated populations in mountainous regions up to 3,000 m. Restricted range on high-altitude grasslands.
Diet
Seeds, plant bulbs, and green plant matter form the bulk of diet; insects and invertebrates supplement, especially during breeding season.
Behaviour
Active primarily at dawn and dusk, foraging on the ground with quick, low flights when flushed. Territorial pairs are usually solitary or in small family groups; calls are loud and distinctive.
Hunting tips
Look for droppings and dust-bath signs on rocky outcrops; tracks are small and three-toed. Approach upwind and move slowly across open slopes at dawn or late afternoon when birds are active. Flush birds toward exposed terrain where shots are clearer.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.