This African bird is found primarily in dense bush and woodland across Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, western Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, and NE South Africa. The Black Francolin (thought to originate from the Indian subspecies) is more common in North America. Francolins congregate in pairs or small groups on bare ground preferring to flee from danger on ground. In captivity, some do well while others do not, partly because so little is known about them.

Also called Crested Francolin, Erckel's Francolin, Hildebrant's Francolin, Partridge, Red-Billed Francolin, Swainson's Francolin.