Scientific Name: Francolinus pondicerianus
Place: Saltpan of Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Churu, Rajasthan
Grey Francolins are very much common in dry, semi dry-arid landscapes of peninsular India and Pakistan. These specie was described by Rudyard Kipling as - "The creature follows its master with a rapid and pretty gait that suggests a graceful girl tripping along with a full skirt well held up. The Indian lover can pay his sweetheart no higher compliment than to say she runs like a partridge" in Kipling's book of Beast and Man in India.
During the birding trip of GoingWild at Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary in the month of February 2013, below shown photograph was taken. Like other Galliformes, they also tend to show shy characteristics; but more approachable than others. On 14th of February 2013, before spending few days at Keoladeo Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary, we spent for three full days of birding at Churu district of Rajasthan. Unlike the birds of Himalayas, birds are more cooperative here and they become active throughout the day. Thus on day one (14th February '15), as we got this beauty without spending much effort, our birding trip started smoothly.
The entire flock was consisted of 6-7 birds foraging beside the saltpan in the mid day. When we were taking photographs of Crested Lark, rapid calling started among the flock members, considering human being as threat. The sudden burst of call, drew our attention from Lark to Francolin. All the tour participants got excellent image of the specie.
Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary and adjacent area of Churu district falls under greater Thar desert area landscape. Fauna found here are endemic to this region only, through Grey Francolin is a widespread resident in India. To do birding, bird watching and bird photography in Tal Chappar, Jorbeer, Bikaneer carcass dumping ground of Rajasthan; one can get in touch with GoingWild!
Place: Saltpan of Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Churu, Rajasthan
Grey Francolins are very much common in dry, semi dry-arid landscapes of peninsular India and Pakistan. These specie was described by Rudyard Kipling as - "The creature follows its master with a rapid and pretty gait that suggests a graceful girl tripping along with a full skirt well held up. The Indian lover can pay his sweetheart no higher compliment than to say she runs like a partridge" in Kipling's book of Beast and Man in India.
During the birding trip of GoingWild at Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary in the month of February 2013, below shown photograph was taken. Like other Galliformes, they also tend to show shy characteristics; but more approachable than others. On 14th of February 2013, before spending few days at Keoladeo Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary, we spent for three full days of birding at Churu district of Rajasthan. Unlike the birds of Himalayas, birds are more cooperative here and they become active throughout the day. Thus on day one (14th February '15), as we got this beauty without spending much effort, our birding trip started smoothly.
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| Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) | Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Churu, Rajasthan © Dibyendu Ash @ 2013 |
The entire flock was consisted of 6-7 birds foraging beside the saltpan in the mid day. When we were taking photographs of Crested Lark, rapid calling started among the flock members, considering human being as threat. The sudden burst of call, drew our attention from Lark to Francolin. All the tour participants got excellent image of the specie.
Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary and adjacent area of Churu district falls under greater Thar desert area landscape. Fauna found here are endemic to this region only, through Grey Francolin is a widespread resident in India. To do birding, bird watching and bird photography in Tal Chappar, Jorbeer, Bikaneer carcass dumping ground of Rajasthan; one can get in touch with GoingWild!
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