Helmeted Guineafowl

Numida meleagris

Native to Africa, but introduced or escapees from captivity have been recorded.

Adults have an unfeathered head, which in this species is decorated with a dull yellow or reddish bony knob, and bare skin with red, blue, or black hues.

The wings are short and rounded, and the tail is likewise short.

Various subspecies are proposed, differences in appearance being mostly a large variation in shape, size, and colour of the casque and facial wattles.

The calls are loud harsh calls when disturbed.