Vulturine Guineafowl
Image: davidbeo (cc-by-nc)
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)60
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is predominantly black with fine white speckles, creating a scaled effect. The breast and upper back are adorned with striking cobalt blue and white longitudinal stripes. The long, slender neck is blue-grey, leading to a bare, reddish-brown head with a small, dark bill and red eyes, and a patch of chestnut feathers on the nape.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, grating 'chink-chink-chink' call, often given in chorus by a group, along with various clucking and chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdry bushland, acacia scrub, semi-desert, open woodlands, savanna
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Africa, found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Identifying FeaturesBare, reddish-brown vulture-like head, Long, slender blue-grey neck, Striking cobalt blue and white striped breast and upper back, Black body with fine white speckles, Large size
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird characterized by its long, slender neck and bare, vulture-like head. It typically forages in dry, open habitats in groups, searching for food on the ground.
