Guide to North American Birds

 Find a Bird

Similar in size to a Gray Partridge (13-15”, 33-36 cm), the Black Francolin is an introduced game bird in Hawaii, with small populations also living in Florida and Louisiana. The male is distinctive, with his black face, white patch below the eye, chestnut collar and black chest. The female has paler and more uniform plumage, brown with darker and lighter barring. The female’s wings are darker than her body, and she has two notable markings, a white throat and a chestnut patch on the back of the neck. Juveniles are generally similar to adult females.
Family Pheasants and Grouse
Habitat Thick vegetation, brushy areas and tall grasslands; generally near water. Inhabits “mosaic” areas where forests and cultivated lands meet, but is not an interior forest bird. More closely associated with water than many other partridges.
Similar in size to a Gray Partridge (13-15”, 33-36 cm), the Black Francolin is an introduced game bird in Hawaii, with small populations also living in Florida and Louisiana. The male is distinctive, with his black face, white patch below the eye, chestnut collar and black chest. The female has paler and more uniform plumage, brown with darker and lighter barring. The female’s wings are darker than her body, and she has two notable markings, a white throat and a chestnut patch on the back of the neck. Juveniles are generally similar to adult females.

Photo Gallery




Illustration © David Allen Sibley.
Learn more about these drawings.

Text © Kenn Kaufman, adapted from
Lives of North American Birds

Download Our Bird Guide App

Songs and Calls

Creaking sound, loud during breeding season.
Audio © Lang Elliott, Bob McGuire, Kevin Colver, Martyn Stewart and others.
Learn more about this sound collection.

These birds need your help

Stay abreast of Audubon

Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives.