Vulturine Guineafowl
Acryllium vulturinum
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<birdfyi-bird slug="acryllium-vulturinum"></birdfyi-bird>About
The world's largest guineafowl (~1.3 kg) of family Numididae, with a bare blue head, chestnut nape, and brilliant cobalt-blue breast streaked with white. Inhabits dry bushland and thornscrub in northeastern Africa from Somalia to Tanzania. Forages in large coordinated flocks for seeds, berries, and invertebrates. Least Concern; a striking bird of the semi-arid Horn of Africa.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 60.0 cm | 23.6 in |
| Weight | 1332.25 g | 46.99 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Cobalt blue and black breast; long hackle-like feathers on neck streaked white and blue; chestnut nape; bare blue-grey head; densely spotted black-and-white wings and flanks; crimson eye. Most striking guineafowl.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in northeastern Africa from Ethiopia and Somalia south to Kenya and Tanzania. Found in arid and semi-arid thornbush and grassland.
Diet & Feeding
Forages in East African semi-arid scrub for seeds, invertebrates, and tubers. Highly gregarious; walks long distances daily.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 23-32 days. Fledging: 14 days.
Clutch Size
4-8
Sound
Song
Produces a loud, resonant honking alarm call and rapid, staccato clucking. The deep, carrying honk is unmistakable; flocks call with overlapping, rapid-fire notes on East African arid savanna.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Numididae (Guineafowl) |
| Genus | Acryllium |
| Species | Acryllium vulturinum |
Distribution
Vulturine Guineafowl has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vulturine Guineafowl eat?
Where does the Vulturine Guineafowl live?
Is the Vulturine Guineafowl endangered?
How does the Vulturine Guineafowl nest?
What does the Vulturine Guineafowl sound like?
How big is the Vulturine Guineafowl?
What order and family does the Vulturine Guineafowl belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Numididae family