Black guineafowl

The black guinea fowl (Agelastes niger) is a terrestrial bird of the Numididae (guinea fowl) family found in humid forests in West-Central Africa. It is a medium-sized, black galliforme bird with a bare, orange-pink head and upper neck. As it inhabits dense, potentially inaccessible, regions of equatorial African jungle, little is known of black guinea fowl behaviour or habits.

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Distribution

Region

Congo Basin and West-Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforest from southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon through Equatorial Guinea (mainland), Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, western Central African Republic, and northern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It inhabits primary and well-developed secondary forests with dense understory. Birds are most often encountered along quiet forest tracks, near streams, and in swampy or seasonally flooded forest where cover is thick. They avoid open habitats and venture into small clearings mainly to feed. Roosting is typically in trees within intact forest.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size40–50 cm

Wing Span60–75 cm

Male Weight1.1 kg

Female Weight0.95 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The black guineafowl is one of two species in the genus Agelastes and is confined to the humid forests of West‑Central Africa. It is secretive, spending most of its time on the forest floor and slipping through dense undergrowth. Like other guineafowl, it roosts up in trees at night and plays a role in seed dispersal and insect control. Hunting and forest degradation can affect local populations.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that prefers to run

Social Behavior

Usually in pairs or small family parties that keep close contact while moving through leaf litter. Nests are shallow scrapes on the forest floor, well concealed under vegetation. Roosting is communal at times, with birds ascending to low branches at dusk.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include low booming notes and clucking or rattling calls, often given at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are harsh and rapidly repeated as birds retreat into cover.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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