Ortygornis gularis
The Swamp Francolin (Ortygornis gularis) is a robust, medium-sized gamebird, typically measuring 37 cm (14.5 inches) in length, with males being slightly larger and occasionally sporting rudimentary leg spurs. Its distinctive appearance features a prominent pale orange-rufous throat and malar stripe, set against dark brown upperparts intricately barred with rufous, and rufous underparts streaked with white. This elusive species belongs to the Phasianidae family, closely related to partridges ...
This species is a specialist of dense, often waterlogged grasslands, reedbeds, sugarcane fields, and marshy thickets near rivers and lakes in lowland areas.
Their diet consists primarily of seeds of grasses and sedges, various tubers and shoots, and a significant proportion of invertebrates like insects and worms, which they forage for by scratching and probing.
Swamp Francolins are remarkably shy and secretive birds, primarily active during the early morning and late evening (crepuscular), often roosting on the ground or in low, dense vegetation. They forage by scratching and probing in soft earth and dense undergrowth for food. Males are highly vocal, ...
The Swamp Francolin is a resident species, primarily distributed across the lowland wetlands of South Asia. Its breeding range encompasses northern and northeastern India, particularly states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The population extends into southern Nepal, Banglad...
Near Threatened
- The Swamp Francolin is often locally known as 'Goolar' Francolin, a name derived from its distinctive rufous throat coloration. - It is considered one of the most elusive and difficult-to-spot francolin species, owing to its preference for incredibly dense and often inaccessible wetland habitat...