Updated
Nahan’s francolin, now usually called Nahan’s partridge, is a small, shy, dark-brown forest bird that lives on the floor of lowland and mid-altitude rainforest in Uganda and eastern Congo. Its range is small and fragmented, and it has declined with forest clearance, so it is of conservation concern. In Uganda the best-known sites are Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls, Mabira Forest between Kampala and Jinja, and Bugoma Forest. It is a prized target for birders and rarely seen without a local guide.
Nahan’s Francolin Uganda: The Endangered Forest Ground Bird
Appearance and habits
It is a compact bird with dark brown, finely patterned plumage, a white-spotted underside and red bare skin around the eye and on the legs. Genetic studies showed it is more closely related to the stone partridge than to typical francolins, hence the newer name. It walks quietly through leaf litter in small groups, feeding on seeds, fruit and insects, and calls loudly at dawn from low perches, which is often the best way to locate it.
Where to see it
Budongo’s Royal Mile and the Busingiro and Kaniyo Pabidi areas are classic sites, best explored early in the morning with an experienced bird guide. Mabira Forest is closer to Kampala. Logging and clearance outside protected areas, and pressure on forest reserves such as Bugoma, are the main threats. See our guides to Murchison Falls and Budongo and Uganda birding.
Birding with gorillas
A birding route that combines Budongo and Mabira with Kibale and Bwindi covers many of Uganda’s forest specialities. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Albertine Rift endemics and a 22-day birding safari.
Frequently asked questions
Budongo, Mabira and Bugoma forests.
Genetic studies place it with the stone partridge, so it is now usually called Nahan’s partridge.
Yes, its small, fragmented range makes it a species of conservation concern.
Early morning, when it calls.
