General

Gray Francolin: Introduced to Hawaii in 1958. Buff-brown overall with barring, finer on the underparts and heavier on the upperparts. Face and cheeks are buff to orange-brown. Buff throat, bordered below by a narrow black stripe. Legs and feet are dull red. Sexes are similar, males are larger and have two sets of spurs. Juveniles show less color on forehead, throat lacks or has indistinct black border.

Range and Habitat

Gray Francolin: Found an all the main Hawaiian Islands. Prefers savannas and shrubland, may be seen in coastal kiawe forests, golf courses, and roadsides. Occurs from sea level to 3,280'. Native to Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Breeding and Nesting

Gray Francolin: Four to ten cream to light brown eggs are laid in a shallow scrape or depression which may be lined with leaves, feathers, and grass. Eggs are incubated for 18-19 days by the female. Chicks are precocial upon hatching.

Foraging and Feeding

Gray Francolin: Forages on the ground at the edges of forests and cultivated fields, and in scrub and brush. Eats a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects.

Vocalization

Gray Francolin: Male attracts females and announces his territory with about 6 "check-check" notes followed by loud and fast "ke-titur, ke-titur" notes. Contact call is a soft, whistled "kila-kila-kila" and alarm call is a high pitched "khirr-khirr".

Similar Species

Gray Francolin: Female Black Francolin is similar, but has light chestnut patch on nape, paler cheeks, and upperparts show more dark brown or black than red-brown.