The youngsters, when half-grown, resemble adults in actions and 
coloration except that the black gular line on the throat is less well- 
developed. In fact in our 9 x 12 x 6 feet holding pens, in which 75 
to 80 gray francolins were confined for their two months conditioning 
period, young birds were as alert, active and adaptable as their mature 
companions. 
Gregariousness 
The covey with both parents is the usual social pattern, though 
Salim Ali (2) observed one brood attended by three adults. Older birds 
almost always travel in pairs though they may be some distance apart. 
Larger groups are seen feeding in the same field but usually enter and 
leave as coveys rather than as flocks when not disturbed. When shot 
at,coveys fly in all directions, but soon may be heard calling prelin- 
inary to reassembling. 
Psychology and Behavior 
Gray francolins are much more active and independent than are the 
blacks. They move faster, and are more readily adaptable to changes in 
habitat. Throughout the breeding season the males are pugnacious, but 
only among themselves. In the wild, they appear to associate congenially 
with black francolins, red junglefowl and Indian sandgrouse., In cap- 
tivity no problems were encountered in keeping grays either alone or with 
other birds at any season of the year. 
To a certain extent these francolins seem to be more intelligent 
than most game birds. Individuals, when caught, would lie quietly in the 
hand then suddenly burst out and away. They associated well together in 
pens, but after a few days would make valiant attempts, too often success- 
ful, to dig out under the pens to freedom. Unlike black francolins, half 
grown grays could be kept in the same pen with adults without being 
picked on though they were at the bottom of the social order. At any age 
these birds seemed to adapt very well to captivity. In fact, young birds 
are Often easily tamed to the point where they can be let loose in the 
house or garden without fear of escape. 
Gray francolins are strong diggers, utilizing their bills rather 
than their feet. In Sind, West Pakistan, we found them commonly digging 
out corms or rootstalks on which they fed. 
Calls 
One of the most noteworthy points about this species is its clear, 
piercing calls. Two variations are common, depending upon mood and in- 
tent. When in fighting trim and looking for trouble, it starts with a 
half dozen or so well-spaced notes sounding not unlike hiccoughs, rising 
in intensity. These concluded, the bird launches, with great vehemence, 
into a very loud series of "titur, titur, titur'", a dozen or more times 
repeated, until it is out of breath. When separated from the flock, or 
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