The western crested guinea fowl (Guttera verreauxi) is a species of guinea fowl native to sub-Saharan Africa. It can be found from Guinea-Bissau to Cameroon, Kenya, Zambia, and Angola, 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
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guinea-Bissau east through Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria into Cameroon, and south to Gabon, Angola, and Zambia, with localized records into western Kenya. It favors open and secondary forests, gallery forests, woodland, dense thickets, and forest–savanna mosaics. Often found along forest edges, old logging tracks, and near watercourses where cover is available. Uses regenerating secondary growth and plantations adjacent to natural forest. Roosts in trees within forest patches but forages mostly on the ground.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The western crested guineafowl is notable for its mop-like black crest and striking white-spotted plumage. It spends most of its time on the ground, running swiftly through forest edges and thickets and only flying short distances when alarmed. At night it roosts communally in trees for safety. As an omnivore, it helps control insects and disperses seeds of forest plants.
Temperament
wary yet social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers running
Social Behavior
Typically forms small to medium-sized flocks, often 6–20 birds, that move together while foraging. Roosts communally in trees at night. Nests are shallow scrapes hidden in dense understory; the female incubates while the group remains nearby. Pair bonds are strong during the breeding season, with cooperative vigilance within flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh cackles and rattling clucks used for contact and alarm. Calls escalate to rapid, grating chatter when disturbed. Soft clucks and purrs are given within foraging groups.
