Erckel's francolin (Pternistis erckelii), also known as Erckel's spurfowl, is a pheasant-sized game bird with a chestnut crown, white throat, and white streaks above and below. It is native to three countries in northeast Africa ( Ethiopia, Eritrea, north-east Sudan) and has been introduced into Hawaii and Italy. The Erckel's Francolin was first described in 1835 by the German naturalist Wilhelm Ruepell, but mystery surrounds the Erckel name. It is adapted for running, and will usually run for cover rather than fly away when startled.
