Counting francolins in grassland

Two methods of counting greywing and redwing francolins (Francolinus africanus and F. levaillantii) cohabiting a pyric grassland in the Natal Drakensberg were examined. Pointing dogs were used to locate the birds. The first method involved a direct estimate of density. The second method gave an index, calculated as the number of birds found per minute of searching along a predetermined route. Estimates of density had an average coefficient of variation of 32%. Estimating density is suitable for counting over small areas (200 ha) are involved. The linear regression of the density of birds on the index of abundance was significant (r = 0,90; P < 0,001).