Roosting ecology of grey francolin (francolinus pondicerianus) in salt range, Punjab, Pakistan

The roosting habit of Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) was studied in cultivated as well as in forest habitats in Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan. Roosting trees and shrub were identified in the study area, these includes Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica, Dilbergia sisso as tree species and a shrub Zizypus jujuba. The study showed that grey francolin mostly roosts on Acacia modesta tree which indicates the association of this species with this tree. It usually roosts before the sunset and departure take place before sun rise. The time spent in roosting observed was lied between 6-10 hours depending upon sunset or sunrise. It was also observed that female grey francolin with chicks prefer low height tree for roosting as compared to female without chicks. Both male and female sited on same time and prefer same height of tree from ground for roosting and have habits to roosts in coveys or group form. Similarly no difference observed in departure time between male and female of this species.