Vulturine Guineafowl
Image: davidbeo (cc-by-nc)
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)90
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is black with fine white spots, giving a speckled appearance. The breast and upper back feature long, glossy blue and white striped hackles. The bare skin of the head and upper neck is bluish-grey, with a reddish-brown patch on the nape and a distinctive white patch on the ear coverts.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a harsh, grating 'chink-chink-chink' call, often repeated rapidly, and various clucking and chattering sounds, especially when alarmed or communicating within the flock.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry bushland, savanna, scrubland, semi-desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Africa, found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Identifying Featuresbare blue-grey head and neck, reddish-brown nape patch, white ear patch, long blue and white striped hackles on breast, black body with fine white spots
Description
This large, striking ground-dwelling bird is characterized by its bare, vulture-like head and neck, and vibrant blue and black plumage. It typically forages in small groups in dry, bushy habitats, often running rather than flying when disturbed.
