Pternistis

Pternistis
Scaly francolin
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Subfamily: Perdicinae
Genus: Pternistis
Wagler, 1832
Species

See text

Synonyms

Francolinus

Pternistis is a genus of galliform birds formerly classified in the francolin group of the partridge subfamily of the pheasant family. They are described as "partridge-francolins" in literature establishing their phylogenetic placement outside of the monophyletic assemblage of true francolins. Its 23 species range through Sub-Saharan Africa. They are commonly known as francolins or spurfowl but are closely related to jungle bush quail, Alectoris rock partridges and Coturnix quail. The species are strictly monogamous, remaining mated indefinitely. They procure most of their food by digging. Partridge-francolins subsist almost entirely on roots, beans of leguminous shrubs and trees, tubers, seed, feasting opportunistically on termites, ants, locusts, flowers and fruit. Important predators are jackals, caracals, servals and birds of prey, as well as herons and marabou storks.

Species

The species are:[1]

References

  1. ↑ Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). (2013). "IOC World Bird List (v 3.5).". International Ornithologists’ Union. doi:10.14344/IOC.ML.3.5. Retrieved 2013-12-29.


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