CHINESE FRANCOLIN
Francolinus pintadeanus
Family Phasianidae

Bird # 311 - March 2011 (the date and bird number are 3/11 and 311!)

This is a big resident species. It is 12" long. It was introduced in the Fort Bonifacio area of Manila in 1915. It was not seen for a long time and it was assumed to have been extripated until Jp Cariño reported sightings of the bird in Nuvali. Lately, the Nuvali area has become more and more developed and so it seemed unlikely that the species survived. However, when Jp went to Nuvali recently to go mountain biking, he heard the familiar and unique call of the bird. He brought us there a few days later and we got to see it as well.

This is a fast-moving, stealthy bird. Jp says that it walks with it's belly and tail close to the ground. Unless you hear it calling, you are not likely to spot it. Its call is described in the Kennedy guide as "do-be-quick-papa" or "more beer hah". Very unique way of describing a call! It is a graceful flier. It has orange legs with spurs.