Swainson's Francolin
Swainson's Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii), Khwai, Botswana, April 2022.
Occurs from southern Angola and Zambia to northern Namibia, northern and eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, western Mozambique and north-eastern South Africa. It generally prefers grasslands or open savannas and adapts easily to cultivated, disturbed areas. More dependant on water than most other African francolins. Prefers to escape predators by running, but is a fast flier and can avoid raptors when on the wing. Swainson's francolin (Pternistis swainsonii) was named to honour the English naturalist William John Swainson.
Swainson's Francolin
Swainson's Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii), Khwai, Botswana, April 2022.
Occurs from southern Angola and Zambia to northern Namibia, northern and eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, western Mozambique and north-eastern South Africa. It generally prefers grasslands or open savannas and adapts easily to cultivated, disturbed areas. More dependant on water than most other African francolins. Prefers to escape predators by running, but is a fast flier and can avoid raptors when on the wing. Swainson's francolin (Pternistis swainsonii) was named to honour the English naturalist William John Swainson.