Introduction
The Red-winged Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantii) is a ground-dwelling member of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is a resident bird of moist highland grasslands, grassy mountain slopes and, in some parts of South Africa, high-altitude fynbos. Its rich rufous wings, white throat and strongly patterned breast are distinctive when the bird is seen well or flushed into flight.
Physical Description
The Red-winged Francolin is a robust francolin measuring approximately 33–38 centimetres in length and weighing about 400–460 grams. The sexes are alike in general plumage, although males are usually slightly larger and have a short, blunt leg spur.
The upperparts are dark brown, marked with black blotches, buff barring and pale feather shafts. The throat is white, bordered by tawny tones, while the breast has a broad black-and-white collar and extensive chestnut colouring. The face and sides of the neck are rufous, and the underparts are buff to reddish-brown with darker streaking.
The bill is large, dark and slightly decurved, with a yellowish base. The eyes are brown, and the legs and feet are dull yellow. The red or rufous wing feathers are especially noticeable when the bird flies. Juveniles are generally duller and less sharply marked than adults.
Range and Habitat
The Red-winged Francolin has a patchy distribution in eastern and southern Africa. In southern Africa, the nominate form occurs mainly in eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, with isolated populations extending southwards into parts of the Eastern and Western Cape. The species is generally sedentary, although local movements may occur in response to rainfall and changing food conditions.
It favours moist, relatively undisturbed grassland on hills and mountains, particularly areas with tall, dense perennial grass. It may also occur beside streams, in wet valleys, among reeds and scrub, and in high-altitude fynbos. Many southern African records come from elevations above approximately 1,500 metres, although the species can occur at lower elevations in suitable coastal or mountain habitats.
The species is strongly associated with grassland that retains sufficient cover for feeding, nesting and concealment. Overgrazed, closely cropped or frequently burned areas are generally less suitable.
Where to See This Species
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State, South Africa
The Red-winged Francolin is included on the park’s bird checklist. The park’s extensive highland grasslands, sandstone hills and valleys provide suitable habitat, particularly where dense grass cover remains. Early morning and late afternoon are productive times to search quietly along grassland roads and walking routes.
Nearby accommodation: Clarens is the main gateway town, with guest houses, hotels, self-catering accommodation and campsites in and around the town and park.
Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The species is recorded on the official park bird checklist. Mountain Zebra National Park contains open grassland and upland habitats where Red-winged Francolins may be encountered, especially in areas with taller vegetation and limited grazing pressure. Listening for calls and watching road margins can be more productive than searching dense grass directly.
Nearby accommodation: Cradock is the nearest practical town, with hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation and campsites.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa
BirdLife South Africa lists Red-winged Francolin among the reserve’s notable species. The reserve protects extensive highveld grassland between roughly 1,545 and 1,917 metres above sea level. The circular drive and higher grassland sections offer realistic opportunities, especially in early summer when grassland birds are more vocal.
Nearby accommodation: Heidelberg is the nearest established accommodation centre, with guest houses, lodges, hotels and self-catering options.
Behaviour and Diet
Red-winged Francolins spend most of their time on the ground and usually move through grassland by walking or running. They are shy and can remain concealed until approached closely, when they often flush with a rapid, whirring flight before dropping back into cover.
They are commonly seen in pairs or small coveys. Groups may include family members and can become larger outside the breeding period. The species is most active during the cooler parts of the day, especially around dawn and late afternoon.
The diet includes underground plant parts such as bulbs, corms and roots, as well as shoots, seeds and other green plant material. Invertebrates, including insects and other small ground-dwelling animals, are also taken, particularly when they are abundant during warmer or wetter periods.
Breeding is associated with periods of suitable rainfall and food availability. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground, usually concealed beneath dense grass or other vegetation and often near water or damp ground. Clutches commonly contain several eggs. Dense, lightly grazed grassland is important for nesting success and chick survival.
Identification Tips
- Look for a large, dark brown francolin with a white throat, rufous face and sides of the neck, and a strongly patterned black-and-white breast.
- The broad chestnut and black-and-white breast pattern is useful when the bird is on the ground.
- In flight, the extensive rufous-red wing colouring is one of the most noticeable features.
- The species is generally darker and more richly rufous than the Grey-winged Francolin, with a white rather than grey-speckled throat.
- Compared with the Orange River Francolin, the Red-winged Francolin usually shows a broader and more conspicuous black-and-white breast pattern.
- It is often detected by its call or by the sound of a bird flushing from tall grass rather than by prolonged views.
Conservation Status
The Red-winged Francolin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its global population has not been quantified, and the species is generally described as uncommon but locally common.
The principal conservation concern is the loss and deterioration of suitable grassland. Agricultural expansion, urban development, overgrazing, excessive burning and the conversion of natural grassland can reduce cover and fragment populations. Regional assessments in southern Africa indicate a declining trend in some areas.
Conservation measures include protecting highland grasslands, maintaining appropriate grazing levels, avoiding excessively frequent burning and preserving wet valleys, stream margins and other areas of dense vegetation. Monitoring is particularly valuable because the species has a patchy distribution and can be difficult to detect reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Red-winged Francolin found?
It occurs in a patchy distribution across eastern and southern Africa. In southern Africa, it is mainly associated with eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, with additional isolated populations farther south.
What habitat does the Red-winged Francolin prefer?
It prefers moist, relatively undisturbed highland grassland with dense perennial cover. It may also use grassy mountain slopes, wet valleys, stream margins, reedbeds and high-altitude fynbos.
How can the Red-winged Francolin be identified?
Key features include a white throat, rufous face and neck, a broad black-and-white breast pattern, dark brown upperparts and conspicuous reddish wings in flight.
What does the Red-winged Francolin eat?
Its diet includes bulbs, corms, roots, shoots, seeds and other plant material, supplemented by insects and other small invertebrates.
Is the Red-winged Francolin migratory?
It is generally a resident species rather than a long-distance migrant. Local movements may occur in response to rainfall, food availability and changing habitat conditions.
What is the conservation status of the Red-winged Francolin?
The species is classified as Least Concern globally. Nevertheless, local populations may be affected by grassland conversion, overgrazing, frequent burning and other forms of habitat degradation.
References
- BirdLife International
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- BirdLife South Africa
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