Moorland Francolin (Francolinus psilolaemus) Information

Moorland Francolin

The Moorland Francolin (Scleroptila psilolaemus) is a species of bird in the Phasianidae family.

Distribution

It is found in moorland in the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.


Taxonomy

The subspecies in the last two countries is sometimes known as the Elgon Francolin. Compared to the nominate subspecies of Ethiopia, the Elgon Francolin is brighter (more rufescent) and lacks black spots to the throat, leading to conflicting taxonomic treatments. Though most authorities maintain it as a subspecies of the Moorland Francolin, it been suggested that it is a species (S. elgonensis), a subspecies of the Shelley's Francolin (S. shelleyi elgonensis), or even a hybrid between the Moorland and Red-winged Francolins.