Gray Francolin Identification

A small game bird with barred plumage, an orange face and crown, and a buffy-white throat.

Underparts are buffy white with fine dark barring.

A small, chickenlike bird with an orange face, buffy throat, and extensively barred plumage. Male delivers a loud, raucous song and is sometimes joined by the female in a duet.

Upperparts are brown and chestnut with thick white barring.

Dark “necklace” separates buffy throat from barred underparts.

Occurs in small family groups of 4–8 individuals outside of the breeding season. Birds in southern India and Sri Lanka have an orange throat.

Typically inhabits dry, low-elevation habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, and thorn scrub. Also visits golf courses and lawns in introduced Hawaiian range.

Forages on the ground for insects, seeds, and other food items.