Can be distinguished from all other large, dark francolins and spurfowl by the pale cheeks that contrast with the dark cap (but co-occurs only with Red-necked Spurfowl). It has no red on the throat or around the eyes. Adult has a greyish horn-coloured bill and diffuse white streaking on the lower belly.
Male has a spur, female has only a reduced spur. Juvenile resembles adult.
The common francolin of fynbos; also regular on pastures and croplands.
A loud, screeching 'cackalac-cackalac-cackalac'.