Black Francolin
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Black Francolin
Francolinus francolinus
Introduced species; Regualted game species
The Black Francolin (no Chamoru name) was introduced to Guam from India in 1961. Francolins are a type of game bird, which means they are hunted for sport and food.
The Black Francolin has done well on Guam. They are found throughout the southern and central portions of the island and parts of the north. They live in fields with tall grass and are most common in savanna and agricultural areas of southern Guam. They eat seeds and insects, including those that damage crops.
The male is brown and black with white streaks and spots. Females have pale brown plumage which acts as camouflage and helps them to blend into their grassy habitat. The male birds stand on dirt mounds or fence posts while they call to attract a mate. A male makes a series of loud, harsh "ka-ka-ka-kaack" sounds every 15 to 20 seconds early in the morning. After the female chooses a partner from many calling males, she will lay five or six eggs in a shallow nest in the grass. The young look like brown baby domestic chicks and start finding their own food right away. Lucky viewers may see a hen francolin crossing the road followed by her brood of five or six young.
The Black Francolin is the only game bird that can be hunted on Guam. Hunting season for francolins is from January through February and again from July through August. The legal bag limit is five birds per day and there is no season limit. It is legal to use hunting dogs for this bird. The francolin is fun to hunt and delicious to eat.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
