KNOWN for its very loud, harsh crowing ‘krrraaa krrraa’ six to seven times, the Swainson’s francolin offers an alarm to all animals when a stalking leopard or lions are sighted.
It calls from trees or termite mounds at dawn or dusk.
It is a very common resident with an expanding range as it adapts to cultivation, and it prefers bushveld, the edge of woodlands, grass thickets, riverine bush and rank, as well as vegetation around marshes.
It is found singly or in pairs and coveys of up to eight birds. The birds feed in clearings or open fields but seek cover in dense vegetation when disturbed. It feeds on seeds, berries, shoots, roots, bulbs and insects and drinks in the morning and evening.
The Swainson’s francolin is shy and wary, running with its head well down and body sleeked, weaving through grass.
Its flight is fast and manoeuvrable.
It breeds between February and May and the nest is a hollow in the ground, about 18cm in diameter, which is lined with dry grass. The Swainson’s francolin lays four to 12 eggs, which are pinkish or buffy cream.
Incubation lasts 21 days, while hatchlings flutter at 10 to 14 days and fly well at 12 weeks.
