Numida Meleagris
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Habitat: Forest, Brush, & Grasslands
Height: 17-19″
Weight: 2-3 lbs
Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Gestation Period: 27 days
Number of Young: 9
-The Helmeted Guineafowl is named because the bone spurs on the top of its head are reminiscent of the German army helmets from World War One.
-They are also known as Ghost Guineafowl because of their white face.
-The helmeted guineafowl is capable of strong flight, but it is mainly terrestrial often choosing to run rather than fly.
-In Greek mythology. Meleagros was the son of Oeneus, King of Calydon. According to legend, upon his death, his sisters were transformed into guineafowl.
-The ancient Romans first domesticated guineafowl. They were mainly used for their meat, eggs, and tick control. But they were also used as ‘watchdogs’ because of their alarming cry when disturbed.
-They eat seeds, reptiles, berries, spiders, snails, roots, grains, and insects.
-Guineafowls are monogamous, and couples mate for life.