How to identify the Northern Black Korhaan

To correctly identify the Northern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afraoides), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

50-58 cm

Wingspan

Approximately 100-110 cm

Weight

Male: 600-800 g, Female: 500-700 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males are predominantly black on the head, neck, and underparts, with a prominent white patch on the cheek and a white V-shape on the upper mantle. The upperparts are mottled brown and black. Females are duller, with a buffy-brown head and neck, streaked with black, and a less distinct white cheek patch. Their underparts are buffy-white with dark streaking on the breast. Both sexes have black primary flight feathers and white secondary flight feathers, creating a striking black and white pattern in flight.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively short, stout, and slightly decurved, dark grey to black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull yellow to greenish-yellow.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Males are unmistakable with their all-black underparts and white cheek patch. Females are distinguished by their streaked buffy-brown head and breast, and the white wing patches visible in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler and more heavily streaked, with less distinct markings. The white cheek patch is often absent or very faint.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though wear and tear can make colors appear duller.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are larger and have much more striking black and white plumage, especially on the head, neck, and underparts. Females are duller, with buffy-brown and streaked plumage.

Key field marks

• Male Plumage. Look for the striking black head, neck, and underparts, contrasted sharply with a prominent white cheek patch and a white V-shape on the upper mantle. Upperparts are mottled brown.
• Female Plumage. Observe the buffy-brown head and neck with dark streaking, and buffy-white underparts with dark streaking on the breast. The white cheek patch is less distinct or absent compared to the male.
• Flight Pattern. When flushed, note the strong, direct flight and the distinctive black primary and white secondary flight feathers, creating a bold black and white wing pattern.
• Vocalizations. Listen for the male's loud, far-carrying 'krrack-krrack-krrack' call, especially during its aerial display flight.
• Habitat. Search in open grasslands, karoo shrublands, and cultivated fields, where they are often seen walking or running on the ground.

Explore the Northern Black Korhaan