Vulturine Guineafowl
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe head and upper neck are bare, blue-grey, with a small reddish-brown patch on the back of the head. The lower neck is long and slender, adorned with striking black and white stripes. A large, vibrant patch of cobalt blue feathers covers the breast. The rest of the body plumage is black, finely speckled with white spots, giving a 'pearl' effect, and it has a long, drooping tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, chattering call, often described as a repetitive 'chink-chink-chink' or 'kek-kek-kek'. These calls are loud, metallic, and can be quite distinctive.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry scrubland, savanna, semi-desert, acacia woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northeastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesBare blue-grey head with reddish patch, Long neck with prominent black and white stripes, Bright cobalt blue breast patch, Black body plumage with fine white spots, Long, drooping tail
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird native to East Africa. It is characterized by its bare, blue-grey head, long neck with black and white stripes, and brilliant cobalt blue breast, contrasting with its finely white-spotted black body. These social birds forage in flocks for seeds and insects in dry scrubland and savanna habitats.
