Crested Francolin

Afrikaans name: Bospatrys

Crested Francolin

Photo © Steven Herbert

Dendroperdix sephaena

Crested Francolins are found in many African countries. In South Africa it is found in the northern and north-eastern regions of the country.

Their preferred habitats are bushveld, woodland and other similar habitats with sufficient cover.

The Crested Francolin is normally seen in pairs or small groups.

At times they raise their tail feathers giving them a look like a bantam chicken.

When crossing roads in game reserves they often move very slowly and cautiously, unlike other francolins which either scramble across or stroll across rather casually.

Male and female Crested Francolin have the same colouration.

They eat a variety of insects and plant material.

Up to 7 eggs are laid in the nest which is made on the ground in thick grass or bush.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Camera shy! A Crested Francolin runs for cover when it sees that I am trying to photograph it. Taken at Berg-en-dal Camp in Kruger National Park

Below - Crested Francolin as they are often seen - amongst the grass on the edge of road in a game reserve.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	174	Dendroperdix sephaena sephaena
2nd	174	Francolinus sephaena
3rd	174	Francolinus sephaena
4th	174	Francolinus sephaena
5th	189	Francolinus sephaena
6th	189	Francolinus sephaena
7th	4	Dendroperdix sephaena

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	174	Crowned Partridge
2nd	174	Crested Francolin
3rd	174	Crested Francolin
4th	174	Crested Francolin
5th	189	Crested Francolin
6th	189	Crested Francolin
7th	4	Crested Francolin

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	174	Bos-patrys
2nd	174	Bospatrys
3rd	174	Bospatrys
4th	174	Bospatrys
5th	189	Bospatrys
6th	189	Bospatrys
7th	4	Bospatrys

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 68

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 69

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 62

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 108

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 136

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 166

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 136

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 170

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 117

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 123

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 22

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 93

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 142

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 142

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 98

Gamebirds of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: P.A. Clancey - Published: 1967 - Page: 93

Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 85

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 74

Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 83

Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 57

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 23

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 89

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 67

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 70

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 157

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 157

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 86

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds