Double-spurred Francolins

The Double-spurred Francolin (Pternistis bicalcaratus) occurs in western Africa and with a very small population also in Morocco. The birds are generally shy and unobtrusive relying on their brown streaked plumage for camouflage. They feed on seeds, other plant parts, and insects. Both sexes look very similar, but the males usually have two spurs on each leg. I was lucky enough to encounter these little ground-dwelling birds during a journey through the Pendjari National Park in Benin (February 2012).

Double-spurred Francolins