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
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park | Details for Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
- Honua‘ula Forest Reserve (Makāula -‘O‘oma section) | Details for Honua‘ula Forest Reserve (Makāula -‘O‘oma section)
- Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a ʻŌhiʻa Trail | Details for Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a ʻŌhiʻa Trail
- Waiki‘i (off Old Saddle Road) | Details for Waiki‘i (off Old Saddle Road)
- Palila Forest Discovery Trail | Details for Palila Forest Discovery Trail
- Pu‘u Huluhulu Trail | Details for Pu‘u Huluhulu Trail
- Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail | Details for Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail
- Kaulana Manu Nature Trail | Details for Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
Coastal Wetland








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



Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a ʻŌhiʻa Trail
Dry forestPasture and grasslands





Waiki‘i (off Old Saddle Road)
Pasture and grasslands


Palila Forest Discovery Trail
Dry forest




Pu‘u Huluhulu Trail
Dry forest






Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Trail
Wet forest




Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
Wet forest





