CRESTED GUINEAFOWL

Guineafowl are large round birds with small heads. They are monochromatic and monomorphic, meaning that both males and females look and act the same. Crested guineafowl have dark grey to black plumage with whitish spots. They are known for their crest of black feathers on their heads. The rest of their heads and necks are bare, with red skin around their eyes and blue necks. 

They are about 20 inches from head to tail, have a wingspan of 150 - 180 cm (59 - 71in.) and weigh 0.7 - 1.6 kg (1.5 - 3.5 lbs.).

Guineafowl typically live in flocks with several other birds, up to about 20. They are known to make a large harsh call when disturbed. Males make “kek-kek-kek” or “chi-chi-chi” calls, and females make "buck-wheat buck-wheat" cries. 

Because of their noisy nature, people will use them as “guard” birds for flocks of chicken and other barnyard fowl to protect them from hawks, owls, raccoons or other predators. The guineafowl are also known to defend themselves by pecking, scratching and flapping their wings at predators.