Vulturine Guineafowl
Image: TR (cc-by-nc)
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is black with fine white stripes. The lower neck and upper breast feature long, glossy blue and white hackles. The head and upper neck are bare, with a reddish-brown crown, blue-grey face, and a patch of bare red skin on the back of the head.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, chattering, and often repetitive calls, sometimes described as a 'chink-chink-chink' or 'rack-rack-rack'. They are typically noisy, especially when in groups.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry savanna, scrubland, bushland, open woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northeastern Africa, specifically southern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesBare, vulture-like head and upper neck, Long, glossy blue and white hackles on lower neck and breast, Black body with fine white stripes, Large size, Long, drooping tail feathers
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird known for its bare, vulture-like head and neck, and vibrant plumage. It typically forages in groups in dry, open habitats, often running rather than flying when disturbed.
