Gray Francolins are native species to Asia, hailing from a region between Iran to Bangladesh. These birds were introduced to the United States during the 1950s and 60s for the purpose of recreational hunting. However, the Gray Francolin’s introduction to the mainland was a failure and can now only be found within US territory on the main Hawaiian Islands.

This bird enjoys open habitat consisting of grassland, shrubby uplands and forest edges. Despite this, the Gray Francolin is a prodigious omnivore that will make itself at home in more cultivated areas like irrigated plantations and golf courses, roadsides and fields of crops. These birds prefer to run when flushed.

As part of Hawaii’s unique and diverse upland game, the Gray Francolin is a great bird to hunt with a 20 gauge and having a good dog along is always a great asset.

Photo Courtesy of Ravi Vaidyanathan.