hartlaub's francolin
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Hartlaub's francolin (Pternistis hartlaubi) or spurfowl, prefer a granite and sandstone habitat surrounded by semi-desert steppe. A 'boulder outcrop forced habitat' is evidence of the presence of the larger and more aggressive red-billed spurfowl that take over nearby savannahs. They are found in pairs or small groups and are frequent flyers. These spurfowl seek refuge between large rocks where they also seek shelter and roost.
Distribution: Scattered populations can be found in central and northern Namibia in particular along the escarpment from Windhoek to the Kunene River and east to Grootfontein. They are absent from the open plains of Ovamboland.
Diet: Mainly feeds on corns, bulbs, seeds and fruits by scraping them out with their large bills. They also eat insects, grubs and larvae, beetles and land molluscs.
Description: Pternistis are medium-sized gamebirds with black, red or orange legs. Both male and female are alike in colours and markings and reside in bush habitats. They are frequent tree roosters and can be seen in small to large coveys. Their calls are loud and grating. Pternistis is the Greek word for 'one who trips with the heel' referring to the double spurs (projections) of females.
Breeding: Usually 3 eggs are laid between April and August with an incubation period of 23 days.
Size: 25 to 28cm. Weight: 270g.
Welwitschia Self Drive
3 Days - Get away to Swakopmund on the coast - includes sandboarding on the Namib Dunes as well as a dolphin cruise
Acacia Self Drive
8 Days - Combines a visit to Etosha National Park, with some time at Swakopmund and then the dunes at Sossusvlei
Marula Self Dive
9 Days - Southern Namibia: Fish River, Luderitz, Sossusvlei with some self catering accommodation.
Camelthorn Self Drive
10 Days - The classic northern and central Namibia trip. Includes Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, rock art in Damaraland, Cape Cross & Swakopmund and ends with two night near the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Jackalberry Self Drive
10 Days - A combination of Namibia & Botswana. Highlights include game viewing in the Etosha Park & a trip in a traditional dug out canoe in the Okavango Delta Panhandle.
Quiver tree Self Drive
14 Days - Two weeks worth of travel allow you to visit everything that is included in the Camelthorn Self Drive but add the vast expanses of southern Namibia to your itinerary, Additional stops include Luderitz, the Fish River Canyon and a night in the Kalahari Desert
Makalani Self Drive
20 Days - This includes Waterberg, Etosha, a visit to the densely populated Owamboland region on the Angolan border, Kaokoland and the nomadic Himba People, rock art and desert elephants in Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Luderitz, the Fish River and Kalahari.
