The plumed guinea fowl (Guttera plumifera) is a member of the guinea fowl bird family. It is found in humid primary forest in Central Africa. It resembles some subspecies of the crested guinea fowl, but has a straighter (not curled) and higher crest, and a relatively long wattle on either side of the bill. The bare skin on the face and neck is entirely dull grey-blue in the western nominate subspecies, while there are a few orange patches among the grey-blue in the eastern subspecies schubotzi.
Region
Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland primary rainforest across the Congo Basin and adjacent regions, including parts of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prefers dense, humid forest with a closed canopy and rich leaf-litter layer. Often keeps near streams, swampy patches, and quiet forest tracks, occasionally venturing into secondary growth and natural clearings. Roosts above ground in trees and uses thick understory for cover when disturbed.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The plumed guineafowl is a secretive forest guineafowl of Central Africa, recognized by its tall, straight, brush-like crest and elongated facial wattles. Two subspecies differ in bare-skin coloration: the western form is dull grey-blue, while the eastern schubotzi shows small orange patches. It roosts in trees but spends most of the day on the forest floor, where it forages quietly in small parties. Because it depends on intact primary rainforest, it is sensitive to heavy logging and hunting pressure.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive take-offs; prefers running
Social Behavior
Typically moves in pairs or small family groups, keeping close contact with soft calls while foraging. Nests are shallow scrapes hidden under dense vegetation or at the base of shrubs, lined with leaves. Likely forms monogamous pairs during breeding and may gather into slightly larger parties outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, grating cackles and chattering series used for contact and alarm. When alarmed, groups may burst into rapid, repeated clucks and rattling notes that carry through the forest.
Plumage
Dark slaty to blackish body densely sprinkled with fine white spots; feathering appears matte with a slightly glossy sheen on the mantle.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking fallen seeds and fruits, termites, ants, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Also consumes shoots, tender leaves, and occasionally small snails. Forages by walking and scratching through leaf litter, often pausing to peck and probe.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly on the shaded forest floor, along quiet trails, edges of swampy forest, and around natural clearings where fruit drops are common. Uses dense understory for cover, emerging into more open patches during low-disturbance periods.
