Guinea Fowl Natural History
Size
Guinea Fowl can grow up to around 58 cm and weigh roughly 1.3 kg.
Habitat and Distribution
They live in Africa, usually south of the Sahara occupying a variety of habitats but seeming to prefer open lands including scrublands, cultivated areas and forest edges.
Age
These birds can live for up to 15 years.
Diet
They are omnivores feeding largely on insects and seeds but will also eat bulbs, berries and flowers.
Groups and Breeding
These are very sociable birds and can be found in flocks of up to 200 individuals. They use a variety of sounds to communicate with one another.
They breed around the rainy season. After mating, males protect the female and will even go without food to ensure that she has enough. The female lays 6-12 eggs which are incubated for 25-29 days and the parents are very protective of their keets.
Threats
The IUCN classifies this species as least concern.
Interesting Facts
Despite being capable of bursts of flight they are usually terrestrial choosing to run rather than fly.
The Guinea Fowl During Your Day Out in Kent
At Wingham Wildlife Park we are home to several free roaming guinea fowl which tend to stick together. They can often be seen around the green next to the penguins.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.