Hildebrandt's francolin, Francolinus hildebrandti (formerly; Pternistis hildebrandti, Chaetopus hildebrandti and Notocolinus hildebrandti), photographed at Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera found within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, Africa.
Image: Dan Logen, 23 January 2010 [velociraptorize].
Nikon D300, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender, ISO 1600, f/7.1, 1/60 sec
Question: This beautiful African mystery bird may not be familiar to many of you, but most of you should be able to identify this bird's taxonomic family and, having done that, at least some of you should be able to tell me if this is a male or female.
Response: This is an immature male Hildebrandt's Francolin, Francolinus hildebrandti. This bird is a member of the taxonomic family that includes the grouse, pheasants and partridges (Family: Phasianidae).
All francolins are placed into the genus Francolinus. This is the most diverse and speciose of all genera within Galliformes, having by far the most members. Of the 41 extant francolin species, 36 are found only in Africa. Most francolins can be recognized by the spur on the male's legs. Many francolin species are popular avicultural subjects.
The francolins are primarily terrestrial birds of the Old World that feed on insects, vegetable matter and seeds.
You are invited to review all of the daily mystery birds by going to their dedicated graphic index page.
If you have bird images, video or mp3 files that you'd like to share with a large and (mostly) appreciative audience, feel free to email them to me for consideration.
