Vulturine Guineafowl
NameVulturine Guineafowl
Common NameVulturine Guineafowl
Scientific NameAcryllium vulturinum
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)90
Length (cm)66
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly black with fine white spots across the body. A distinctive feature is the bright cobalt blue patch on the chest and upper back, contrasting with the long, bare, bluish-grey neck and head. The nape has a patch of reddish-brown feathers, and the long, pointed tail feathers are black.
Vocalization / CallVulturine Guineafowl produce a variety of harsh, chattering, and buzzing calls, often described as a 'chink-chink-chink' or a loud 'kek-kek-kek' when alarmed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, scrubland, grassland, semi-desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northeastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
Identifying Featureslong, bare blue neck and head, vibrant cobalt blue chest patch, finely white-spotted black body plumage, long, pointed tail feathers, reddish-brown nape patch
Description
The Vulturine Guineafowl is a large, striking ground-dwelling bird native to East Africa. It is characterized by its long, bare blue neck and head, vibrant blue chest patch, and finely spotted black body plumage. These social birds are often seen foraging in groups, including with their chicks as shown in the image.
