Red-billed spurfowl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-billed spurfowl |
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| Genus: |
Pternistis
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| Species: |
adspersus
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The red-billed spurfowl (Pternistis adspersus) is a cool bird found in Southern Africa. People also call it the red-billed francolin. It belongs to the Phasianidae family, which includes birds like pheasants and chickens. You can find this bird in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These birds show a difference in size between males and females. This is called sexual dimorphism. Male red-billed spurfowls are usually bigger. They can be about 38 cm (15 in) long. Their weight ranges from 340 to 635 grams (12 to 22 oz). Females are a bit smaller, around 33 cm (13 in) long. They weigh between 340 and 549 grams (12 to 19 oz). A cool feature of these birds is their striped belly. They also have a bright yellow ring around their eyes.
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What is a Red-billed Spurfowl?
The red-billed spurfowl is a type of game bird. It lives on the ground and often stays hidden. These birds are known for their loud calls. They like to live in dry, bushy areas. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, insects, and small plants.
Where Do Red-billed Spurfowls Live?
These birds are native to Southern Africa. They prefer habitats with dense bushes and trees. You can often spot them near rivers or water sources. Their wide range shows they can adapt to different environments.
How Was the Red-billed Spurfowl Named?
The red-billed spurfowl got its scientific name in 1838. An English scientist named George Robert Waterhouse described it. He studied specimens collected during an expedition. These birds were found near the Fish River in what is now Namibia.
The Scientific Name Explained
Waterhouse first named it Francolinus adspersus. The word adspersus comes from Latin. It means "sprinkling" or "scattered". This might refer to the bird's speckled look. Today, scientists place this bird in the genus Pternistis. This genus was named by a German scientist, Johann Georg Wagler, in 1832. The red-billed spurfowl is considered a single species. This means it does not have different subspecies.
