Numididae

A small Old World family of terrestrial birds, the guineafowl are most closely related to pheasants (family Phasianidae). They are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, but one species, Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris), has been domesticated and introduced in countries around the world.

Additional information

All species are highly social, most forming groups of up to 30 birds; however, in the two Agelastes species, flocks generally number fewer than 10, consisting of males with harems of large family groups. Helmeted Guineafowl are the most gregarious, with flocks of more than 2000 birds found outside the breeding season, usually close to a foraging area or waterhole. Dominant males often act as scouts, adopting prominent perches to scan the surrounding area for approaching predators such as jackals or baboons. The presence of a waterhole seems to be more critical to some species than to others.

Those species that are well-known are monogamous, but the breeding behavior of the Agelastes species is almost unknown. At the onset of the breeding season, males become aggressive toward one another, and ritualized posturing, chases, and flights often ensue; the more successful males court, feed, and then pair with attendant females.

Taxonomy 

There are 6 species divided over 4 genera:

• Agelastas meleagrides (White-breasted Guineafowl)
• Agelastas niger (Black Guineafowl)
• Numida meleagris (Helmeted Guineafowl)
• Guttera plumifera (Plumed Guineafowl)
• Guttera pucherina (Crested Guineafowl)
• Acryllium vulturinum (Vulturine Guineafowl)