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 featherless and bluish-grey, with a reddish-brown patch on the nape. The lower neck and breast feature a striking cape of long, pointed blue and white striped feathers. The body plumage is dark blue-grey, finely spotted with white, giving a 'starry' appearance. A patch of bright cobalt blue is visible on the flanks and underwings.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a harsh, chattering call, often described as a series of 'chink-chink-chink' notes, which can be quite loud and carry over long distances. They also produce a variety of clucking and growling sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, shrubland, dry forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Africa, found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Identifying Featuresvulture-like featherless head and neck, long blue and white striped neck cape, bright cobalt blue patch on flanks, finely white-spotted dark body plumage, reddish-brown nape patch
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird native to East Africa, characterized by its featherless, vulture-like head and neck. Its body is adorned with iridescent blue and black plumage, finely spotted with white, and a distinctive long, flowing cape of blue and white striped feathers on its neck and chest. These social birds typically forage in groups in arid and semi-arid environments.
