Vulturine Guineafowl
Image: leekelai (cc-by-nc)
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)58
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsFeatures a bare, blue-grey head and upper neck with a small patch of reddish-brown skin on the nape. The body plumage is brilliant cobalt blue on the breast and upper back, transitioning to black with fine white spots and streaks on the lower back, wings, and belly. It has long, drooping black tail feathers with white spots.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, grating alarm calls often described as 'chink-chink-chink' or 'rack-rack-rack', and softer 'churr' sounds when foraging.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry scrubland, savanna, bushland, semi-desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Africa, found in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
Identifying Featuresbare blue-grey head and neck, brilliant cobalt blue breast, black body with fine white spots and streaks, long, drooping tail feathers, upright posture
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird known for its bare, vulture-like head and neck. It typically forages in groups in dry, open bushland, feeding on a variety of plant matter and insects.
