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First Record of Black Francolin in Asansol

The black francolin (Francolinus francolinus) is a gamebird in the pheasant family, it normally flies only when disturbed. The Gallinaceous birds, as they are called, are important as seed dispersers and predators in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Discovery: It’s a cloudy Sunday morning of May, 2021 and we, the three vagabonds were biking beside the grasslands of Damodar river in Asansol in search of birds. Asansol, the third largest city of West Bengal is known for its coal mines, steel industry and other colonial hazards. But this area is also popular for its avian and lepidopteran diversities, which we earlier published in this esteemed magazine. However, back to the scene, we were searching for birds and we stopped in an area where one can find the typical Chotanagpur Plateau grassland habitat i.e. the land covered with grass and small bushes. And here, he came out like a king from a bush. The search for the last seven years came to an end. We couldn’t believe our eyes, that we were seeing a Black Francolin and that too in Asansol.

Identification: Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) is a resident bird and sizes about domestic cock. The male has a black face with white ear-covert patch, rufous collar and black underparts. The females are likely to be less beautiful with rufous hind neck, more greyish body with white and black spots in belly and chest. Like all francolinus, the Black Francolin too utters a loud, penetrating and repeated sound which is enough to track them, for a birder.

Geographical location and Lifestyle: Black Francolin, although quiet common in Chotanagpur Plateau part of Bengal, but elusive than its brother Grey Francolin and therefore possibly less documented, although the distribution shows it could be found throughout the north and north-east part of the subcontinent.

The actual time to find this elusive bird is perhaps early in the morning and late evening. These birds need good ground cover to hide and a water source nearby. The barren land with high grass or bush with an adjacent river or waterbody will be perfect for them. Disturbance, especially by humans, would not bother them and cultivation land far away would also do no harm.

 

Authors: Saptarshi Mukherjee, Manish Kumar Chattopadhyay and Diptesh Goswami

Comments(18)

  • Piyali Sanyal

    August 9, 2021

    Informational and impressive.. Loved your work, waiting for more.

  • Shubham Banerjee

    August 9, 2021

    Absolutely Awestruck ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • Shibu

    August 9, 2021

    Daruun

  • Pallabi Mondal

    August 9, 2021

    Wow its soo beautiful 💕…

  • Priyanka Mondal

    August 9, 2021

    Excellent find and very nice information

  • Priyanka Mondal

    August 9, 2021

    Excellent find and very helpful information

  • Mrityunjoy Sadhu

    August 9, 2021

    Great 🙏❤️ congratulations to all ..

  • Arijit

    August 9, 2021

    Wow 😍😍😍
    Just speechless after seeing such a beautiful bird 😌😌keep it up

  • Akash Mondal

    August 9, 2021

    Being a resident of Asansol (and not a big fan of city hustle), it’s enthusiastic to see that wonderful wildlife (especially rare findings) are encountered in these bustling settings and brought to the knowledge of the people who miss the exquisite craft of nature. Thanks to these veteran photographers, explorers, the art of nature gets the spotlight it deserves. Kudos to these vagabonds and gracias for the photos!

  • Arijit

    August 9, 2021

    Woow 😍😍
    It looks amazing 😌😌
    Just awesome brother keep it up..❤️❤️

  • Ruma

    August 9, 2021

    Wow…just too good. Photography is superb supported by the nice description. Keep it up.

  • Ruma

    August 9, 2021

    Wow….too good. The photogrhy is superb supported by the nice description. Keep it up.

  • Ruma

    August 9, 2021

    Wow…too good. The photography is superb supported by the nice description. Keep it up.

  • Abhijit Mondal

    August 9, 2021

    Just amazed to see these all creatures the rare beauties pointed by a few ❤️

  • Kamlesh Makwana

    August 9, 2021

    What a great click superb.

  • Supriya Mahato

    August 10, 2021

    Great finding ♥️

  • Supriya Mahato

    August 10, 2021

    Awesome finding ♥️

  • Amritendu

    August 10, 2021

    You are great

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