Eastern Crested Guineafowl

Overview

The eastern crested guinea fowl (Guttera pucherani) is a species of guinea fowl native to East Africa. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is monotypic, comprising only the nominate subspecies following recent taxonomic splits.

Identification

• Overall blackish plumage with dense white spots.
• Distinctive black crest on the top of the head, varying from small curly feathers to down.
• Total length of around 50 cm with a weight range of 721–1,543 g.

Habitat

This species is found in Somalia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Tumbatu Island, where it inhabits open forest, woodland, and forest-savanna mosaics.

Did you know?

Males may run several metres to the hen to present a particular morsel during courtship feeding.