PROTECTION / THREATS / STATUS:
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is threatened by habitat loss, and especially because the forests are disappearing.
However, the species is found in reasonable numbers in remnant forest in Sinharaja Forest Reserve and National Parks. But the range is fairly restricted.
The size of the population is unknown, but the species is reported to be locally common, although the population is suspected to be declining.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is not globally threatened at the moment, and currently, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Fr: Galloperdrix de Ceylan
Ang: Sri Lanka Spurfowl - Ceylon Spurfowl
All: Ceylonspornhuhn
Esp: Faisancillo de Ceilán
Ita: Gallopernice di Sri Lanka
Nd: Ceylondwergfazant
Sd: ceylonsporrhöna
Photographers:
Alan & Ann Tate
AA Bird Photography
Text by Nicole Bouglouan
Sources:
HANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF THE WORLD Vol 2 by Josep del Hoyo-Andrew Elliot-Jordi Sargatal - Lynx Edicions - ISBN: 8487334156
A history of the birds of Ceylon. Volume 2
Camera trap data reveals the habitat use and activity patterns of a secretive forest bird, Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata
Sri Lanka – Wild Parks and Wildlife
Lanka Haban Kukula - The Ceylon Spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata)
Birdbuddy - Sri Lanka Spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata)
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Sri Lanka Spurfowl
Galloperdix bicalcarata
Galliformes Order – Phasianidae Family
INTRODUCTION:
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is endemic to the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka.
This species is shy and secretive, usually more often heard than seen. It is a ground-dwelling bird observed in the thick undergrowth of the forests, near water bodies or in hilly areas.
It is omnivorous, with a diet including seeds, berries and various insects. It forages mainly in the early morning and the evening.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is monogamous with long-term pair-bonds. The nest is a scrape on the ground, on the forest floor.
The genus Galloperdix forms a link between two subfamilies in the family Phasianidae, the partridges and their allies of the Perdicinae, and the pheasants of the Phasianinae.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is affected by habitat loss within the restricted range, because the forests are disappearing. But currently, the species is not globally threatened.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BIRD:
Biometrics:
Length: 37 cm
Weight: M: 312-368 g – F: 200-312 g
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl adult male has chestnut lower back, rump, uppertail-coverts and upperwing.
Mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts show scaled, black-and-white pattern. The rounded tail is black.
On the underparts, both black foreparts and flanks are conspicuously spotted white. The rest of underparts is almost uniformly white but also with scaled pattern, except the vent which is finely barred black-and-white. Both thighs and undertail-coverts are black, with terminal white spots.
The greyish head is strongly but finely streaked black-and-white on forehead, crown, nape and hindneck, making it very pale. Chin, throat and cheeks show similar but whiter pattern.
The bill is red.
The brown eyes are surrounded by broad, bare, red eyering.
Legs and feet are red with at least two or three long, dark reddish spurs on the rear of the leg. This feature gives the bird its name.
The female is much duller than the male. The plumage is rich chestnut with darker, blackish-brown tail and flight-feathers. Back and wings are plain brown.
The head is grey-brown with darker crown. Chin and throat are white with some small, black streaks.
The bill is red but paler than in male.
The brown eye is surrounded by narrow, bare, red eyering extending towards the back of the eye where it ends up in a point.
Legs and feet are red, but also paler than in male. She usually has shorter spurs, and often only one.
The juvenile resembles adult but it is darker, with some rufous spotting on the upperparts. The throat is whitish.
The young male has larger white markings than adult male.
The bill is dark red with blackish tip.
The eyes are brownish-red.
Legs and feet are dusky red, with blunt spurs on the tarsus.
RANGE:
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is primarily found in the southern half of Sri Lanka, both in the hills and the low country. But it can be seen locally in the riverine forests of the dry zone near foot hills, both in the northern and southern half of the island.
HABITAT:
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl frequents the dense forests of the island, but it can be seen occasionally in the hilly region, up to 2,000 metres of elevation.
Usually, this species is commonest in the damp rainforests, in the wet zone of the island.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is mainly terrestrial and is usually observed wandering through the dense vegetation.
CALLS AND SONGS: SOUNDS BY XENO-CANTO
The territorial male is often heard in the morning, while giving its territorial call, a ringing series of three notes gradually rising “yuhuhu, yuhuhu, yuhuhu, yuhuhu, yuhuhu, yuhuheeyu”. The trisyllabic notes are given at rate of 4-5 notes/second.
The males of the adjacent territories often answer to these calls.
The female may also join them, giving a short, rising series of rising, then dropping down and rising again notes “tu’tu’tu… chink-chink-chink-chink…tu’tu’tu…”
Both mates keep up in touch with their distinctive loud calls.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is more often heard than seen. The loud, ringing cackle can be heard from a distance and reveals its presence.
BEHAVIOUR IN THE WILD:
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl ventures into the open in the early morning and evening time, and can be seen foraging along the forest paths.
This species is very shy and may disappear quickly if some disturbance is detected. The bird runs into the vegetal cover with agility.
When foraging, it scratches vigorously among the leaf litter to search for invertebrates on the forest floor. Molluscs, various insects and spiders are usual prey. However, it also consumes seeds, fallen fruits and berries.
This species is often observed in pairs or in small family groups.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is territorial and maintains a large territory year-round. The male defends the area by calling and fighting. During interactions, they can be seen depressing and elevating the head, often imitating each other’s displays.
During the breeding period, the male often calls loudly and marks its territory by puffing out the feathers.
Some courtship displays by a male were recorded in July. This behaviour was restricted to the early morning. Courtship usually involves both visual and vocal displays. In the present species, we can suggest that the conspicuous scaled pattern of male’s plumage is enhanced by adapted postures and movements.
The species is monogamous. The nest is a scrape on the ground, protected by rock or bush.
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is sedentary.
This species is very terrestrial. When alarmed, it runs quickly to reach the vegetal cover. It flies only when necessary and usually over short distance.
But it is able to fly fast if disturbed. It flies away into the forest with a strong flight. However, it prefers to take refuge within the vegetation rather than to maintain a long flight.
REPRODUCTION OF THIS SPECIES:
The breeding period takes place twice a year, first in NE during the monsoon, from November to March, and again from July to September.
The nest is a scrape made with some twigs placed on the ground, often protected by rock or bush, or built between the roots of a large tree-trunk.
The female lays two cream/buff eggs, but sometimes up to five. She apparently incubates alone during about three weeks. The chicks are covered in pale brown down.
No more information.
