Western Crested Guineafowl
NameWestern Crested Guineafowl
Common NameWestern Crested Guineafowl
Scientific NameGuttera plumifera
FamilyNumididae
Wingspan (cm)82.5
Length (cm)51.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is predominantly black, densely covered with numerous small, round white spots. The head is largely bare, featuring blue skin, a prominent black, curly crest, and small red wattles on the sides of the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallProduces a series of harsh, chattering, or cackling calls, often described as 'kek-kek-kek' or 'chrr-chrr-chrr,' used for communication within a flock or when alarmed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east through parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Identifying FeaturesBlack curly crest, Bare blue facial skin, Small red wattles, Black plumage with white spots, Ground-dwelling forest bird
Description
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird characterized by its dark plumage covered in small white spots, a distinctive black crest, and bare blue facial skin with red wattles. They are typically shy and found in dense forest undergrowth, foraging for food on the forest floor.
