Fun Cape Spurfowl Facts For Kids
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The Cape spurfowl (Pternistis capensis or Francolinus capensis) also known as Cape francolin is from the family Phasianidae. Their population distribution range consists of the western Cape part in South Africa and it is also found in southern Namibia.
It is endemic to South Africa.
The habitat of this bird consists of scrubby areas with the adequate availability of running water. This bird can be commonly found in the fynbos scrubs and bushes.
It can be spotted in farmlands and gardens of people, too. Breeding happens around November in the eastern region of the Cape, from July to January in the western part of the Cape with a peak in September and in May in northern Cape and around spring and the early time of summer males tend to fight for mates.
Males tend to chase the female and surround her with their feathers and mount the female later.
Their nest is nothing but a scrape in the ground and is considered to be lined with grass and is well hidden in the vegetation. Around four to eight eggs are laid and it is possible that two females might lay eggs in the same one and be incubated for about 22-25 days till they hatch.
The chicks are capable of flying short distances in around 12 days. The physical description of the male and female is the same.
Males are slightly larger and males tend to have two leg spurs, whereas, a female does not have two leg spurs. This bird has a plumage with patterned lines finely and the color is gray and white and has a plain crown and nape.
When seen from a distance, it appears to be dark and has red-colored legs.
The Cape spurfowl call is recorded to be loud. The food consists of invertebrates, fallen fruits, and plant matter as the diet is omnivorous.
It is quite interesting to read and learn about this bird and if you like, read about the rusty blackbird and the bee hummingbird, too.
Cape Spurfowl Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Cape spurfowl?
Cape spurfowl, scientifically known as Pternistis capensis or Francolinus capensis, is a bird species of the family Phasianidae.
What class of animal does a Cape spurfowl belong to?
It belongs or is from the class of Aves of birds.
How many Cape spurfowls are there in the world?
There is no exact count recorded for the total population of this bird.
Where does a Cape spurfowl live?
The distribution range of this bird consists of the western Cape part in South Africa and it is also found in southern Namibia. This bird is considered to be native to the southern African range.
What is a Cape spurfowl's habitat?
This bird, that is, Cape spurfowl or Cape francolin (Pternistis capensis or Francolinus capensis), inhabits scrubby areas with the availability of running water. This bird can be commonly found in the fynbos scrubs and bushes. It can be spotted in farmlands and gardens of people, too.
Who do Cape spurfowls live with?
Not much is known about these spurfowls being solitary or living in flocks.
How long does a Cape spurfowl live?
It is believed that the Cape spurfowls live for about seven years.
How do they reproduce?
It is believed that in spring and early time of summer the males tend to fight or compete for their mates.
The male chases the female with their heads low and they are known to mount the female and also surround the female with their feathers.
Their nest is nothing but a scrape in the ground and is considered to be lined with grass and is well hidden in the vegetation or scrub.
The breeding season in the eastern part of the Cape takes place in November, from July to January in the western part of Cape with a peak in September and in May in northern Cape.
Around four to eight eggs are laid and incubation is done by a female for about 22-25 days till they hatch and not much is known about the responsibility distribution among the parents about caring for the young ones.
The chicks are capable of flying short distances in around 12 days.
What is their conservation status?
This species is placed under the Least Concern category of conservation status.
Cape Spurfowl Fun Facts
What do Cape spurfowls look like?
This bird has a plumage with patterned lines and is gray and white in color. It has a plain nape and crown.
When seen from a distance, this species appears to be dark and has red-colored legs. Males and females look similar, but the male tends to have two spurs of the leg, unlike the female who has one.
This species has a contrast between the dull cheeks and dark or bold cap which distinguishes it from other francolins that are dark.
Juveniles also resemble adults but tend to have duller legs and prominent patterns or vermiculations. The male is a bit larger than the female.
How cute are they?
These birds are not considered cute.
How do they communicate?
Communication of these birds takes place by producing different sounds and calls, just like other bird species.
How big is a Cape spurfowl?
The spurfowl is around 16-17 in (40-42 cm) in length. This species is quite smaller than a crowned eagle and a harpy eagle.
How fast can a Cape spurfowl fly?
The exact flying speed of the Cape spurfowl or Cape francolin (Pternistis capensis or Francolinus capensis) is not known.
How much does a Cape spurfowl weigh?
The weight of females of this species weighs around 0.95-1.45 lb (435-659 g) and the weight of males ranges from 1.32-2.01 lb (600-915 g).
What are the male and female names of the species?
Males and females of this species do not have any specific names assigned.
What would you call a baby Cape spurfowl?
Babies of birds are in general referred to as chicks or young ones.
What do they eat?
The diet is omnivorous and the food of this species, Francolinus capensis consists of fallen fruits, invertebrates, and plant matter. These include corms, seeds, bulbs, berries, grain, insects, ants, and small snails.
Are they dangerous?
These birds are not considered dangerous.
Would they make a good pet?
Not much has been observed about these birds as pets.
Did you know...
This species tends to be the most vocal during the breeding season.
It has been recorded that sometimes two females of this species can lay eggs in the same or one nest.
If or when disturbed, the Cape francolin (Francolinus capensis) tends to run instead of flying.
Cape spurfowl call can be described as loud and sounds like 'cackalac-cackalac-cackalac'.
The chicks when very small or a few weeks old have the ability to fly strongly and readily when pressed or startled.
Where do Cape spurfowls nest?
The nest is created in the ground by scraping and the lining is done with grass.
What is the difference between a francolin and a spurfowl?
Francolins or Francolinus capensis are considered to be smaller than spurfowls and have yellow legs, whereas, spurfowls may have orange, black, or red legs. When a francolin is disturbed is tends to flush, whereas, when a spurfowl is disturbed it tends to sit tight or run.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these barbet bird facts and palm warbler facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Cape spurfowl coloring pages.
Cape Spurfowl Facts
What Did They Prey On?
Ants, insects, seeds, berriesWhat Type of Animal were they?
OmnivoresAverage Litter Size?
4-8 eggsHow Much Did They Weigh?
0.95-2.01 lb (435-915 g)What habitat Do they Live In?
scrubby regions and gardensWhere Do They Live?
south africaHow Long Were They?
16-17 in (40-42 cm)How Tall Were They?
N/AClass
AvesGenus
PternistisFamily
PhasianidaeScientific Name
Pternistis capensisWhat Do They Look Like?
Gray and whiteSkin Type
FeatheryWhat Are Their Main Threats?
n/aWhat is their Conservation Status?
Least Concern
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