Helmeted Guinea Fowl

Helmeted guinea fowl get their name from the bony “helmet” on top of their head, called a casque. Both males and females have casques, though they may be larger in males. Guinea fowl take a dust bath every day to keep their feathers in top condition! There are many varieties of guinea fowl, including this domestic variety. In Africa, they are raised for food and eggs, as well as hunted.

Helmeted guinea fowl live in open areas near water and roost in trees or shrubs, eating just about anything thy can find. They form flocks of up to 100 individuals, communicating with each other with vocalizations. Females lay about 10 eggs in a nest on the ground. Both parents care for the chicks, or “keets” for about 2 months. They may live more than 10 years.