[2] There are six recognized subspecies: The black francolin has a length range around 33 to 36 cm (13 to 14 in) and weight about 453 g (16 oz).

The back and wings are scalloped with shades of golden brown with sub-terminal tawny-buff bands and pale edges.

The call of the black francolin, described as a loud ringing "klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik", "kik-kik-kik" or "kwee-kweeeee-kwee", can be heard in the mornings and evenings and almost all day during the breeding season.

The male calls while standing on an earth mound, bund, rock or a low tree branch and is soon joined by other birds answering from all directions.

Black francolins are resident breeders from south-eastern Turkey eastwards through Iran to southwest Turkmenistan and northeast India, and Kazipara, Panchagarh of Bangladesh.

[7] The birds are found in scrubby habitats with plenty of cultivated crops tall enough to offer shelter and open beneath to provide escape routes and easy travel.

The male may be seen standing on a rock or low tree attracting attention with its extraordinary creaking call.

They are fairly winter hardy, but always provide some shelter during the coldest months breeds from late March to September depending on the range.

The birds forage on the ground for plant material and small invertebrates, including grain, grass seeds, fallen berries, shoots, tubers, termites and ants.

In aviculture they eat small mealworms and wax worms, but care must be used when feeding chicks as they are prone to toe-picking.