The southern crested guinea fowl (Guttera edouardi) is a species of guinea fowl native to sub-Saharan Africa. It can be found from Tanzania to South Africa, 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
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Tanzania south through Mozambique and Malawi to eastern Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa (notably KwaZulu-Natal). It favors coastal and lowland forests, riverine and gallery forests, dense woodland, and forest–savanna mosaics. It often uses thickets and secondary growth near water. In miombo and other dry woodlands it keeps to denser patches and forest edges. It avoids open grassland far from cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The southern crested guineafowl is readily recognized by its forward-curving black crest and finely white-spotted dark plumage. It is mostly terrestrial, running swiftly through understory before bursting into short flights when alarmed. Groups roost communally in trees at night and help control insects and ticks while foraging. It was formerly lumped with other crested guineafowl but is now treated as a distinct species.
Temperament
shy but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, prefers to run
Social Behavior
Typically found in small flocks of 5–20 birds outside the breeding season, keeping in close contact with soft calls. Pairs form during the breeding season, and nests are shallow scrapes on the ground hidden in dense cover. Groups roost together in trees at night and use communal dust-bathing sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, chattering and rasping, often delivered as rapid, rattling series when alarmed. Contact calls are clucks and squeaks that keep flocks coordinated. Choruses can be heard at dawn and dusk near roosts.
