Cape spurfowl or Cape francolin , Pternistis capensis

The Cape Spurfowl is 40–42 cm in length. The male is larger than the female. This large spurfowl appears all dark from a distance apart from the red legs plumage is finely vermiculated in grey and white, with a plainer crown and nape.

The sexes are similar in plumage, but the male has two leg spurs, whereas the female has one short spur. The juvenile is similar to the adults but has duller legs and clearer vermiculations. The large, dark francolin is unlikely to be confused with any other species in its range.

The Cape Spurfowl is a common resident of the Western Cape’s Strandveld, Renosterveld and fynbos regions, especially at lower altitudes. It forages in altered habitats like parks, croplands, orchards, vineyards, and Racosperma plantations.

The Cape Spurfowl is a bird of scrubby open areas, preferably close to running water. It breeds in spring and early summer when it is also most vocal. Its nest is a grass-lined scrape under a bush, and six to eight eggs are laid (but sometimes two females will lay in one nest). This species can become very tame if disturbance is limited. It will run rather than fly if disturbed, but even while quite small, just a few weeks old, it flies readily and strongly when startled or pressed.