.SusanVenter

gallery

Another treasure of the Kruger Park. The Swainson's Francolin has red facial skin. Size 33-38 cm - about two-thirds the size of a Guineafowl. The male is a bit larger than the female. It is all dark brown, streaked with black. It is a common species of more open country, preferring bushveld with open spaces, and farmland areas.The call is a very loud and harsh and consists of 7 or 8 crowing sounds, dropping in pitch and volume towards the end: krrwoaa, krraa, kraaa, krraa.... This species breeds in the summer months. The nest is a hollow in the ground, which is lined with dry grass. It is hidden in the grass or a thicket.