This red-necked spurfowl is still roosting in the morning hours in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
Slow starter in the morning
The red-necked spurfowl (or red-necked francolin) is a shy, pheasant-like bird found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. While they spend most of their waking hours forging on the ground, they will flee to a tree if threatened or retire to a branch at dusk to sleep.
While these birds are incredibly wary, I seem to have caught this fellow before he was ready to go. We were on a morning game drive on the edge of a woodland in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
The Secret of the Spurs
If you look closely at his legs, you’ll notice the feature that gives this species its name. Male spur fowl typically boast one or two long, sharp spurs on each leg. These aren't just for show; they are vital tools for defending territory and courtship battles. Yow!
