Helmeted Guineafowl (species: Numida meleagris) in Australian Birds (Gaia Guide)
Australian Birds > Aves > Galliformes > Numida meleagris (gallery)
Numida meleagris
Helmeted Guineafowl


©David Blank: Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

©Arthur Chapman: Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Galliformes
Family Numididae
Genus Numida
Species Numida meleagris
Status least concern

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Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

The body plumage is gray-black spangled with white. Like other guineafowl, this species has an unfeathered head, in this case decorated with a dull yellow or reddish bony knob, and red and blue patches of skin. The wings are short and rounded, and the tail is also short. Various sub-species are proposed, differences in appearance being mostly a large variation in shape, size and colour of the casque and facial wattles. (Wikipedia)

Size

  • From 53 cm to 60 cm (Length of specimen)

Wingspan

  • Up to 96 cm

Synonyms

Interesting facts

  • Males often show aggression towards each other, and will partake in ravenous fighting which will leave other males bloodied and otherwise injured. Attempts at making themselves look fearsome is when their wings raise upwards from their sides and feathers bristle across the length of the body, or they may also rush forwards with a gaping beak. (Wikipedia)

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

Local abundance

  • Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand: rare

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