Is Cape Spurfowl endemic to South Africa? Habitat
Is Cape Spurfowl endemic to South Africa?
Yes, the Cape spurfowl (also known as the Cape francolin), scientifically known as Pternistis capensis, is indeed endemic to South Africa. This means that it is native to and only found in this region. The Cape spurfowl is commonly found in the southwestern parts of South Africa, particularly in areas such as the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape.
Habitat and Behavior
- Habitat: The Cape spurfowl typically inhabits scrublands, open fields, and farmlands, often near water sources. They are adaptable and can also be found in suburban gardens and parks.
- Behavior: These birds are ground-dwelling and are often seen foraging for food on the ground, feeding on seeds, insects, and plant material. They are social birds and are usually found in pairs or small groups.
- Appearance: The Cape spurfowl is characterized by its mottled brown plumage, with a distinctive orange-red face and legs. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may be slightly larger.
The Cape spurfowl is an important part of the local ecosystem and is well adapted to the South African environment. Its status as an endemic species highlights the unique biodiversity of the region.
Pheasant family Phasianidae
The Cape spurfowl also called the Cape francolin is a game bird and is endemic to southern Africa, where it is the largest francolin. It is found in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Is Cape Spurfowl endemic to South Africa? – By Sue Collins:
The birds seemed to be in abeyance in the garden this afternoon. I’m still not walking very far or very much but I decided to walk out of the garden gate to where the farmyard proper, and the barn and the workshops are. There’d be more light and sun, and with everybody gone for the weekend, I thought there might be something interesting lurking around. Nothing. At least I thought nothing until my eye was caught by movement there by the cab of an old dead lorry (you know what I mean by an old dead lorry, right?). It was a Cape Spurfowl.
She – I assumed it was a she as it was a good bit smaller than some other Cape Spurfowl I’ve seen – didn’t seem too alarmed by my presence and walked quietly away from me gracefully and with dignity. Now if that had been a Guinea Fowl there’d have been cluckings and squawkings reminiscent of a Victorian Virgin being suddenly and unceremoniously tipped into a Sultan’s Harem and the thing would have run for the hills in a cloud of dust and small pebbles. I chose a photo with the bit of dead lorry in it as I liked the pose better; she had her face towards me, and she was standing on a patch of green grass.
And, frankly, I like the expression in her eyes. Outside Elna’s Garden, 20km outside Citrusdal. Canon Powershot SX60HS, 1/2000sec, f6.3, ISO 400, fl 151,334.
Gamebirds of Southern Africa
Gamebirds have been utilized since prehistoric times for both food and sport. The 21 upland species found in southern Africa include francolins, spurfowl, quails, guineafowl and sandgrouse.
Spurfowl endemic to South Africa can be found in The Roberts Bird Guide (2nd Edition)
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