The Chinese francolin (Francolinus pintadeanus) belongs to the family Phasianidae. The Chinese francolin is found in Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are two recognized subspecies of these francolins. The subspecies F. p. phayrei is found in northeast India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The subspecies F. p. pintadeanus occurs in southeast China.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized and evaluated these bird species and has listed them as of "Least Concern".
The Chinese francolin are small birds, measuring 30 to 35 cm in length and weighing 250 to 400 grams. The males are larger than the females. They inhabit dry subtropical or tropical forests, grasslands and oak scrub jungles. They feed on seeds, insects, shoots, roots, berries and leaves. They breed during March to september.
| Biological classification of Francolinus pintadeanus | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Galliformes |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Subfamily: | Perdicinae |
| Genus: | Francolinus |
| Species: | F. pintadeanus |
| Binomial name: | Francolinus pintadeanus |
| Distribution: | India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia , Thailand and China; |
| Feeding habits: | seeds, insects, roots, bulbs, fruits and leaves; |
| IUCN status listing: | Least Concern |
Current topic in Birds of India: Chinese francolin - Francolinus pintadeanus.