Red-billed Francolin

Description:

Also known as Red-billed Spurfowl, this is roundish, terrestrial bird size of chicken of pheasant family (Phasianidae). From afar, it appears grey - on a closer look, it's underparts are finely and horizontally striped. It is easily recognised thanks to its reddish bill and legs, and yellow eye-ring.

Habitat:

Seen in the backyard of our camp, in midst of a totally confusing maze of water pipes... but leading to a typical (for Kunene region, north west of Namibia) acacia tree-and-shrub landscape beyond. The region is still very dry (but still magnificent and rich in wildlife) at the moment, following a three-year dry-spell.