Helmeted guineafowl

Numida meleagris

The helmeted guineafowl has a bony, helmet-like crest on its head, which gives it its name.

Red List

Least Concern

The helmeted guineafowl’s plumage is speckled with black and white and looks as if it were studded with tiny pearls.

Outside the breeding season, large flocks of helmeted guineafowl are often seen at waterholes. During the breeding season, which coincides with the rainy season, the pairs separate from the groups. Whilst the hen is brooding, her mate remains close to the nest.

The helmeted guinea fowl is the ancestor of our domestic guinea fowl. As far back as ancient times, guinea fowl lived in people’s poultry yards.

Taxonomy

Numididae, genus Numida (1 species)

Habitat

forest edges, savannah, steppe and semi-desert

Social structure

in groups, and in pairs during the breeding season

Diet

seeds, roots, cereals, insects, snails, millipedes (invertebrates)

Taxonomy

Numididae, genus Numida (1 species)

Habitat

forest edges, savannah, steppe and semi-desert

Social structure

in groups, and in pairs during the breeding season

Diet

seeds, roots, cereals, insects, snails, millipedes (invertebrates)

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The helmeted guineafowl has a bony, helmet-like crest on its head, which gives it its name.

Taxonomy

Habitat

Social structure

Diet