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Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source ↗
Swainson's Spurfowl
Bosveldfisant · Pternistis swainsonii
A large, dark-brown game bird with a striking bare red face and throat and a black bill and legs. In the early morning the male often climbs onto a termite mound or fence post to throw back his head and crow a harsh, crowing call. It feeds on the ground on seeds, roots, and insects, preferring open grassy areas.
Log your Swainson's Spurfowl sighting — free →How to identify it
Bare red skin on the face and throat combined with a black bill and black legs sets it apart from the Natal spurfowl.
Listen for its call
A harsh, crowing 'krraae-kraae-kraae' fading at dusk, often from a termite mound.
Where to see it in Kruger
Common in grassland and the edges of cultivated or open areas, especially in the central and northern park.
Did you know
At sunrise the male perches on a mound and crows loudly like a rooster, announcing his patch to the whole bushveld.
Often confused with
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