Bergpatrys [Afrikaans]; Isakhwatsha [Xhosa]; iNtendele (generic
term for francolin) [Zulu]; Khoale (generic term for francolins and spurfowls)
[South Sotho]; Grijsvleugel-frankolijn [Dutch]; Francolin à ailes grises
[French]; Grauflügelfrankolin [German]; Francolim-d'asa-cinzenta [Portuguese]
The 'grassland francolins' (genus Scleroptila),
which include the Orange River,
Grey-winged, Red-winged and
Shelley's francolins, are quite similar
to one another, but within this complex the Grey-winged francolin can be
distinguished by having a grey freckled rather than white or buff throat. In
flight, there is proportionally more grey than red on the wings compared to the
other species.
The plumage of male and female is the same but the male can
be distinguished by its long, sharp leg spurs.
Distribution and habitat
Endemic to South Africa and Lesotho (also a single record
from Swaziland). Found in montane grasslands in the Drakensberg region (mainly
above 1800 m elevation) and also occurs in karoo scrub, renosterbos and
strandveld in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. Adults tend to be very
sedentary in habit, but young birds move around locally.
Eats mainly invertebrates in the summer months when chicks
are being reared. In non-breeding season feeds mainly on small geophytes such as
species of Mariscus, Hesperantha and Moraea.
Breeding
Breeding season
Western Cape: July to December (peaking August to
October)
Elsewhere: August to March (peaking November to
December)
Lays 4-8 eggs although up to 15 eggs have been
recorded, suggesting laying by two females.
After all the eggs have been laid, they are incubated
by the female for 21-23 days.
Chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and accompany
their parents through the breeding season. They can take short flights after
14-21 days.
References
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ and Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Roberts
- Birds of southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker
Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
Sinclair, I, Hockey, P. and Tarboton, W. 2002. Sasol
Birds of Southern Africa. 3rd edition. Struik, Cape Town.
