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Project Noah Nature School
Pternistis erckelii
Medium-sized partridge running about at a high altitude. Males and females can be identified by comparing the spurs on their legs; males have two per leg, whereas females have one.
I spotted this francolin at greater than 9000 feet, on the dormant volcano, Mauna Kea.
Native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and part of Northern Sudan, it was introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the 1950s but is not found on Maui, Molokai, Kahoolwe or Niihau.
Spotted on Dec 15, 2018
Submitted on Dec 25, 2018
6 Comments
Thanks, Maria! Yes, they were introduced as game birds all over the US but the population on the main land did not survive.
Interesting spotting. Do you know why this bird was introduced to Hawaii?
Thanks so much, Ashley, for letting me know about the nomination!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Thanks so much, Neil! :)
Wonderful spotting, muana, and a great series of pics.