The grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) is a sedentary bird, which is also commonly known as the grey partridge. It is also known as the bhoora (brown) tittar or teetar in the Indian subcontinent because of its loud repeated calls. It is a member of the family Phasianidae and the genus Francolinus. The grey francolin is a species of francolin birds that can be seen commonly in plains and dry areas of south Asia. It has been observed to inhabit scrub forests and open cultivated lands across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, the USA, and the Andaman and Chagos Islands. It has three sub-species namely, the North Indian grey francolin (F. p. interpositus), the Baluchistan grey francolin (F. p. mecranensis), and the F. p. pondicerianus (nominate). Its diet comprises seeds, snakes, grains, and insects like termites and beetles. The breeding season of these birds commences in April and lasts until September.It is a medium-sized francolin bird whose length ranges between 10.2–13.4 in (25.9–34 cm) and weight ranges between 7–12 oz (198.4–340.1 g). Its buff-colored plumage is barred and it has a pale face and throat. There is a thin horizontal black border on its throat which is one of the characteristics of this bird that helps in identifying it easily. The sub-species F. p. mecranensis is the palest of all and can be seen in southern Iran, eastern Pakistan, and north-western India. The F. p. interpositus sub-species (Indian grey francolin) is comparatively darker and can be seen in northern India. The nominate species has a dark rufous throat and can be seen in the southern peninsula of India. If you want to dive deeper into the avian world of the grey francolin, keep reading!Enjoyed reading our grey francolin facts? Check out our amaze-wing diamond dove facts for kids and Eurasian collared dove fun facts too!
Fun Grey Francolin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
Grey Francolin Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a grey francolin?The grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) is a bird that is found in south Asia and the USA. The Indian peafowl and the grey francolin belong to the same family, Phasianidae. It is also called a grey partridge commonly, but it must not be mistaken with the European grey partridge, which is an entirely different species. It is also called the teetar and the bhoora (brown) teetar locally due to its loud repeated calls that sound like ‘ka-tee-tar-tee-tar’ and because of its coloration.What class of animal does a grey francolin belong to?The grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) belongs to the class of Aves.How many grey francolins are there in the world?The population of this species of birds has not been evaluated yet. However, we do know that its population is stable across its major regions of distribution, namely India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.Where does a grey francolin live?The grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) is one of 40 species of francolin birds. This species can be seen commonly in plains and dry areas of south Asia. It has been observed to inhabit scrub forests and open cultivated lands across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, the USA, and the Andaman and Chagos Islands. It has three sub-species,namely the North Indian grey francolin (F. p. interpositus) that can be found across the northwestern Indian subcontinent, the Baluchistan grey francolin (F. p. mecranensis) that can be seen in southern Pakistan and arid southeastern Iran, and the F. p. pondicerianus (nominate) that can be seen in Sri Lanka and southern India.What is a grey francolin’s habitat?The grey francolin is diurnal, meaning that it is active and energetic during the daytime. This bird can be seen searching for food on low grass-covered or bare ground in open country and scrubs. The grey partridge stays 3937 ft (1200 m) below sea level in Pakistan and 1640.4 ft (500 m) in India. This species was found initially in India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Pakistan, but has been introduced in Nevada and Hawaii (in the USA) and the Andaman and Chagos Islands too. The grey partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus) avoids inhabiting humid and heavy forest areas.Who do grey francolins live with?F. pondicerianus birds are typically seen in small groups. They have been observed to roost in low thorny trees in groups.How long does a grey francolin live?The grey francolin can live up to eight years in the wild!How do they reproduce?The breeding season of these birds commences in April and lasts until September. Their nest is a hidden scrape built on the ground. It can also be built on a rock or on a wall. Female birds of this species lay six to eight eggs and grey francolin eggs take 23 days to hatch. These partridge bird pairs are typically monogamous as they have been observed to breed with the same mate every year.What is their conservation status?The conservation status of these grey-winged francolin birds is Least Concern according to the IUCN. These birds do not face any significant threats but they are hunted and caught in their range easily by utilizing decoy birds.Grey Francolin Fun FactsWhat do grey francolins look like?The grey francolin (F. pondicerianus) is a medium-sized francolin bird whose buff-colored plumage is barred and possesses a pale face and throat. There is a thin horizontal black border on the throat which is one of the characteristics of this bird that helps in identifying it easily. Males can be distinguished from females as their legs possess two spurs which are absent in females’ legs. The sub-species F. p. mecranensis is the palest of all and can be seen in southern Iran, eastern Pakistan, and north-western India. The F. p. interpositus sub-species (Indian grey francolin) is comparatively darker and can be seen in northern India. The nominate subspecies is of a richer brown shade and has a dark rufous throat. It can be seen in the southern peninsula of India.How cute are they?They are adorable creatures that possess beautiful barred plumage. Their coloration varies between shades of black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut making them a sight to behold.How do they communicate?These birds communicate vocally and can be very noisy. They are known as a ’teetar’ due to the sound of their calls which goes like ‘ka-tee-tar-tee-tar’. The ’teetar’ name can also refer to quails and partridges.How big is a grey francolin?Males of this species range between 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm) in length and females range between 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm).How fast can a grey francolin fly?The speed of the grey francolin (F. pondicerianus) has not been evaluated yet. However, it has been observed that birds of this species are weak fliers and only take flight for short distances of a few hundred meters. They run quite fast on the ground though.How much does a grey francolin weigh?Males of this species range between 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) in weight and females range between 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g).What are their male and female names of the species?They do not have distinct names for males and females.What would you call a baby grey francolin?A baby of this species can be referred to as a chick.What do they eat?The diet of these birds comprises seeds, grains, and insects like termites and beetles. They may consume larger prey like snakes too. They are also known to eat insects like white ants and maggots. It is believed to be preyed upon by cats, small Indian mongeese, and feral pigs.Are they dangerous?No, these birds aren’t dangerous and have never been proven to be fatal to humans.Would they make a good pet?The grey francolin has been domesticated in northern regions of the Indian subcontinent and the domesticated bird weighs much more than the wild bird of its species.Did you know…The grey francolin is utilized for fighting in northern India!Do grey francolins mate for life?Yes, they are believed to be monogamous birds that mate for life.Can a grey francolin fly?Yes, a grey francolin can fly, but it is a weak flier that only flies for a short distance.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our common buzzard fun facts and kestrel bird facts for kids!You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable partridge bird coloring pages!
What type of animal is a grey francolin?
The grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) is a bird that is found in south Asia and the USA. The Indian peafowl and the grey francolin belong to the same family, Phasianidae. It is also called a grey partridge commonly, but it must not be mistaken with the European grey partridge, which is an entirely different species. It is also called the teetar and the bhoora (brown) teetar locally due to its loud repeated calls that sound like ‘ka-tee-tar-tee-tar’ and because of its coloration.
Fun Grey Francolin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
Fun Grey Francolin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
Fun Grey Francolin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
Fun Grey Francolin Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
What do they prey on? Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they? Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Hunting
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Seeds, grains, snakes, and insects like termites and beetles
What do they eat?
Carnivore
Average litter size?
6-8 eggs
How much do they weigh?
Males: 9–12 oz (255.1–340.1 g) Females: 7–11 oz (198.4–311.8 g)
How long are they?
Males: 11.6–13.4 in (29.4–34 cm)Females: 10.2–11.9 in (25.9–30.2 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Black, rufous, brown, buff, and chestnut
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Hunting
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
Where you’ll find them?
Bare To Low Grass-covered Ground In Open Country And Scrub Habitats
Locations
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Usa, The Andaman And Chagos Islands
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Francolinus
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Francolinus
Class Aves
Family Phasianidae
