Pternistis erckelii | Erckel’s francolin

Introduced

Native to Ethiopia and Sudan, Africa, the Erckel’s francolin was introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1957 as a gamebird. About 16 inches long, they are brown with white streaky spots and distinct chestnut colored feathers on the top of their head with a white throat. Often in upland dry grasslands, they scare easily and hide from view and prefer running away rather than flushing. Listen for their loud laughing cackle, especially in the morning.


Hotspots for Erckel’s francolin

Nuʻupia Ponds

Wetland

Hiking

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland

HikingParking

Kaʻena Point Trail

Coastal

HikingInterpretive SignageParking

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park

Wetland

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Honua‘ula Forest Reserve (Makāula -‘O‘oma section)

Wet forest

HikingParking

Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a ʻŌhiʻa Trail

Dry forestPasture and grasslands

HikingBathroomParkingTrash

Waiki‘i (off Old Saddle Road)

Pasture and grasslands

Driving

Palila Forest Discovery Trail

Dry forest

HikingInterpretive SignageParking

Pu‘u Huluhulu Trail

Dry forest

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Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail

Wet forest

HikingInterpretive SignageParking

Kaulana Manu Nature Trail

Wet forest

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