Whyte's Francolin

Scleroptila whytei

Medium-sized, cryptically-patterned francolin. Shows rufous patches in the wings in flight. Found on the ground in areas with thick grass, ranging from pure grassland to lush woodland. Mostly at moderate elevations. Call is a rhythmic up-and-down repeated “chil-it, chil-chow”. Generally scarce, shy, and retiring. Range does not overlap extensively with similar francolins. Much more washed-out and buffy than the more cleanly and boldly marked Shelley’s Francolin.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Scleroptila whytei
Authority
(Neumann, 1908)
Order
Galliformes
Family
Phasianidae
Genus
Scleroptila

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.