Spurfowls – Family Overview

Spurfowls are medium-sized, ground-dwelling gamebirds belonging to the family Phasianidae, which also includes pheasants, partridges, and quails. They are named for the distinctive spurs present on the legs of many species, particularly in males.

Spurfowls are typically found in dry and semi-arid landscapes, scrublands, grasslands, open forests, and agricultural edges. They are largely terrestrial, preferring to walk or run rather than fly, taking to the air only when disturbed.

Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, shoots, insects, and other small invertebrates, making them well adapted to seasonal and human-modified habitats. Spurfowls are often encountered singly or in small family groups.

These birds are known for their loud, far-carrying calls, especially during the breeding season. Vocalisations play an important role in territory defence and group cohesion, and spurfowls are often detected by sound before being seen.

India supports several species of spurfowls, many of which are regionally distributed and associated with specific habitats. Some species have restricted ranges and are sensitive to habitat degradation, highlighting the importance of landscape-level conservation.

This family overview brings together photographs and videos of spurfowls recorded across different regions, illustrating their behaviour, habitat preferences, and field identification features.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs from this bird group are available for licensing and fine-art prints. You can explore curated images in the Spurfowls collection on BirdsPhotos Shop.