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Grey FrancolinSize: 30 cm Weight: 250 g (average) |
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Taxonomy, classification |
See Grey Francolin
at Wikipedia 
.
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Sightings |
Grey Francolins can be observed regularly on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University near Muscat. Although shy, they always find an area, for example in the arboretum, where they are undisturbed to stay, while often there is a lot of human activity going on around them. Seen by us on a daily basis in the timeframe August-December 2009.
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Photos |
Frontal view of an adult Grey Francolin
For a Grey Francolin there is always something interesting to be
found on the ground
Lateral view of a Grey Francolin
Dorsal view of a Grey Francolin
Adult Grey Francolin (left) and chick (right)
Grey Francoling having a drink at "Trickler's pub"
Family of Grey Francolins
Here a family of Grey Francolins foraging in a dry wadi under an
overhanging acacia tree; the very moment this photo was taken the
sentry spotted the human at a distance of 50 m and within a few
seconds everybody was gone
Close-up view of an immature Grey Francolin
Here a chick demonstrating the intended use of the benches
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Behaviour |
Grey Francolins are shy birds that will not allow humans to approach them. Yet they live on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, with frequent human disturbances. They have repeatedly been seen by us using the ever watchful resident Red-wattled Plovers as their sentries, see photo below. Although they usually try to run out of harm's way, they do fly occasionally. They use their flight skills to roost in trees at night.
Grey Francolins using the service of a Red-wattled Plover as their
sentry
No, not a North-American Great Roadrunner
(Geococcyx californianus), but a Grey Francolin in fast retreat
