Very small range in highlands of central Ethiopia around R Blue Nile and its tributaries, occurring locally at and around Aheafeg, Jemmu Valley, Kalo Ford, R Muger and a few other sites.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation through clearance and conversion to agriculture is the main threat. Hunting and egg collecting are also threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Mainly seeds. Also worms, crops, fruit and leaves.
Voice
A loud, raucous, crowing 'ko ree' in early morning.
Harwood's Spurfowl (Pternistis harwoodi) [XC57559]
by Peter Boesman from Jamma river, Ethiopia (call)
Harwood's Spurfowl (Pternistis harwoodi) [XC210294]
by Andrew Spencer from Jemma Valley, Ethiopia (call)
Subspecies
Forms superspecies with Heuglin's Francolin (Pternistis icterorhynchus), Double-spurred Francolin (Pternistis bicalcaratus) and Clapperton's Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni). Has been included in genus Chaetopus. Recently proposed reorganization of Francolinus places present species in genus Pternistis with 23 other species.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Clapperton's Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni) which is paler, with bold, black crescents on underparts. Erckel's Francolin (Pternistis erckelii) whic has black bill and skin around eye.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet