Red Spurfowl

Overview

The red spurfowl (Galloperdix spadicea) is a large, partridge-like bird native to India. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is characterised by its secretive nature within forest habitats.

Identification

• Overall reddish-brown plumage with a somewhat long tail; the male of the Kerala race (G. s. stewarti) is entirely chestnut.
• Both sexes possess red facial skin patches and red legs, which may bear one or two spurs.
• Distinctive calls include a specific 'ker-wick...kerwick...' and harsh 'karr...karrr...' notes, though the birds are largely silent during the day.

Habitat

Found south of the Ganges across India, west Nepal, and specific regions like the Aravalli Range and Kerala. It inhabits scrub, dry and moist-deciduous forests, often in hilly terrain with good undergrowth, including areas populated by invasive Lantana.

Diet

Forages in small parties of three to five, feeding on fallen seeds, berries, mollusks, and insects. The bird also swallows grit to aid in the digestive process.

Did you know?

The common name derives from the presence of spurs on the legs, but females may lack them entirely while some individuals can possess up to three or four spurs.