Black Francolin : The State Bird of Haryana

Black francolin the state bird of Haryana, Kaala Teetar

Black francolin the state bird of Haryana, locally known as Kaala Teetar:

The black francolin (Francolinus francolinus) is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds. It was formerly known as the Black Partridge.

The head of the black francolin is curved with brown iris eyes color and unique pattern of brown color crown and the throat color is black. It has a length range of 33 to 36 cm and weight approximate about 453 g (16 oz) and the size of black francolin is 9 to 16 inches. The primary color is black with black breast rufous belly, white spots on flanks and golden brown spots at the back of body.

Black francolin the state bird of Haryana, Kaala Teetar

The flight pattern of black francolin is short, direct flight punctuated by glides with rounded wings, rounded tail narrow black and white bars.

The male black francolin is black with white patch on the cheek, a chestnut collar and white spots on the flanks. The back and wings are scalloped with shades of golden brown with sub-terminal tawny-buff bands and pale edges. Tail is black with narrow white or greyish bars. Legs are reddish-brown to red.

The female is mainly brown, but has a chestnut hind neck. The extent of the white spotting on the flanks varies substantially across the species’ range and the depth of colour of the females similarly varies.

Black francolins appear to be found in scrubby habitats with plenty of cultivated crops tall enough to offer shelter and open beneath to provide escape routes and easy travel. They prefer the areas of thick vegetation, usually near water.

Francolins normally nests in a tall grasslands from late March to May. The male may be seen standing on a rock or low tree attracting attention with its extraordinary creaking call.

The normal Clutch size between 10 and 14 eggs and only the hen incubates the eggs, the incubation period is 18 to 19 days and the breeding season is April to June and the young ones will appear in April through October.Forages (plant, leaves, and stem) on the ground and eats a wide variety of seeds and insects.

Black francolin the state bird of Haryana, Kaala Teetar

The color of the egg is white-spotted olive or pale brown.

Black francolins are monogamous.
The black francolin only flies when disturbed. It has a Pheasant’s explosive flight, but prefers to creep away unseen.

The call of the black francolin, described as a loud ringing klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik or “kik-kik-kik”,” kwee-kweeeee-kwee”

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