<< Previous Next >>

Natal Francolin


Natal Francolin
Photo Information
Copyright: Vivian Droog (viv) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 301 W: 3 N: 613] (3062)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-10-06
Categories: Birds
Camera: Konika Minolta Dynax 7D, Minolta AF 75-300
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-02-10 10:35
Viewed: 559
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
These Francolins are so quick, that I am proud to have taken such a nice portrait, hanging out of the car window. Handheld. Quick, cute and a lot of noise. Great to see.
Thanks for looking

Out of Sasol Birds of South Africa
Natal (Francolin) Spurfowl (Pternistes natalensis)

Other names:
Afrikaans: Natalse Fisant
French: Francolin du Natal
German: Natalfrankolin
Dutch: Natal-frankolijn

The Natal Francolin is a common species of thicker woodland, riverine gullies, coastal bush and the edges of forests. It is usually seen in small parties foraging in the undergrowth, or close to cover. It may become tame at picnic spots and camping grounds. It roosts in large trees and is a very noisy bird. The call is a loud, screeching crow starting with explosive chattering notes and then fading away: Chakkity-chakkity-chakkity, chee cheeky, Kacheeeky, Ka-cheeky.

Weight & Size:
Males ± 600 g
Females ± 400 g
30-38 cm

Identification:
The size is medium, it is a uniform dull brown on top and black below, the bill and legs are an orange red
Distribution
Found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, eastern Botswana and north eastern South Africa

Status:
Common resident

Habitat:
Dense thickets along water courses, mountains and Acacia bushveld

Habits:
In pairs most of the time
They often call at dawn and dusk
Roost in the branches of trees at night

Food:
Insects, roots, fruit and seeds

Breeding:
All months of the year
Nest : The nest is a scrape in the ground, which is lined with roots, grass and stalks - it is well hidden under thorny tangles or shrubs.
Clutch : 5-8 eggs
Incubation : About 21 days
pvs, fartash, RAP, Juyona has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Vivian,
Nice image; colours, sharpness, DOF and background are well done.
My minor nit is the compo.
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1128 W: 254 N: 2441] (11099)
  • [2007-02-10 11:11]

Hi Viv,

A nice picture with a different but great POV,it is welll exposed and got a good DOF,well done and TFS

Paul

Hello Vivian
What a great POV here,
Perfect focusing and lighting,
Nice framing,Excellent shot.

Regards
Fartash

Hi Viv,
This is just great! Really sharp and you've got a nice POV even from the car. I like the tilt of the head and his expression. Well done.
TFS
Simon

  • Great 
  • GLEM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 522 W: 87 N: 693] (5737)
  • [2007-02-10 13:09]

bonjour Vivian,
très joli portrait, la lumière est bien dosée et la teinte douce.
Bons détails.

tfs

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2007-02-10 13:26]

Excellent close up Vivian with great point of view and catchlight.

Composition: *****
Sharpness: ****
Color: *****
Lighting: *****
Background: *****
Framing: *****
DOF: *****
Focus: *****
POV: *****
Catchlight: *****
Frame: ****
Note: *****

Opportune shot with wonderful OOF.
Thank you and greetings... Ricardo

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1999 W: 6 N: 1951] (13041)
  • [2007-02-10 18:01]

Bello pov. y original captura... agradables detalles... saludos Vivian

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF