The eastern crested guinea fowl (Guttera pucherani) is a species of guinea fowl native to East Africa. It is found in Somalia to Tanzania, Zanzibar and Tumbatu Island, where it inhabits open forest, woodland and forest-savanna mosaics. It is one of three species that were formerly considered to be one and the same species, the crested guinea fowl.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Somalia through Kenya to eastern Tanzania, including offshore islands such as Zanzibar and Tumbatu. It favors coastal and lowland woodland, open forest, and forest–savanna mosaics with dense undergrowth for cover. Birds use edges, tracks, and clearings to forage, retreating to thicker cover when disturbed. They are largely sedentary and local within suitable habitat patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking guineafowl has a fluffy black crest and a finely white-spotted dark body, making it one of East Africa’s most distinctive ground birds. It forages in noisy flocks on the forest floor but roosts high in trees to avoid predators. Formerly lumped with other crested guineafowl, it is now recognized as a separate species centered on the East African coastal and adjacent woodlands.
Temperament
wary yet social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive takeoff; prefers running
Social Behavior
Usually found in small to medium flocks, often 5–20 birds, that keep contact with soft calls while foraging. Roosts communally in trees at night. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation; pairs guard chicks which are precocial and mobile soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh, and chattering, including rattling grates and repeated kek-kek series used for contact and alarm. When alarmed, flocks erupt with harsh cackles and rasping calls that carry through the woodland.
