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)
