Pheasants and Partridges (Phasianidae)

Natal Francolin (Francolinus natalensis) - HBW 2, p. 498

French: Francolin du Natal German: Natalfrankolin Spanish: Francolín de Natal

Taxonomy: Francolinus Natalensis A. Smith, 1834, Durban, Natal.
Forms superspecies with F. hildebrandti, with which occasional hybridization has been reported. Has at times been placed in genus Chaetopus, or alternatively in Notocolinus. Recently proposed reorganization of Francolinus places present species in genus Pternistis with 23 other species. Races proposed at various times, such as neavei, but variation clinal and validity of races not supported. Hybridizes with F. swainsonii in W Zimbabwe. Monotypic.

Distribution: C Zambia S through Zimbabwe and Swaziland to E South Africa (W Orange Free State, Natal, N & E Cape Province).