Vulturine Guineafowl
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is glossy black, finely speckled with white, creating a striped effect on the back and wings. A prominent feature is the large, iridescent cobalt blue patch on the breast. The long, slender neck is mostly bare, displaying blue-grey skin, with a reddish-brown patch on the nape and a small crest of short, bristly feathers on the crown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, grating 'chink-chink-chink' call, often given in chorus by a flock, along with various clucking and chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry savanna, scrubland, semi-desert, acacia woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Africa, found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Identifying Featuresbare blue-grey head and neck, vibrant cobalt blue breast patch, black body with fine white streaking/spotting, long tail feathers, social behavior in large flocks
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird characterized by its bare, blue-grey head and neck, resembling a vulture. It is highly social, typically found foraging in large flocks in dry, open habitats.
