In Uganda, there are only 3 known species of guinea fowls – helmeted Guinea fowl, crested guinea fowl and vulturine guinea fowl, although they are six in the whole world. This is one of the African birds that nest on ground, eat seeds, without feathers on its head but have grey feathers the whole body. They resemble partridge; a guinea fowl is covered by dark grey or blackish feathers with some white spots all over the body. But not all the species have white spots and they weigh 700 to 1600 grams.
Most guinea fowls are monogamous apart from the helmeted Guinea fowl which is polygamous. They are social birds which live in groups of small numbers. Some guinea fowls inhabit savannah areas while others inhabit forested areas.
They are normally spotted in the wild on a birding safari, but some people keep them at home in their poultry farms. They are kept for two main purposes – pets and food. Most travelers and locals enjoy their dish. Its meat has high food values of proteins than that of chicken.
It is also termed as a wild hen and in Tooro, natives have a saying that the opportunity of a guinea fowl staying in the wild is not like that of a hen. This means that the guinea fowl can stay in the bush for all of its time unlike a hen.
Guinea fowls make a lot of noise when they sense danger and also during the breeding period. They have harsh loud sounds and the males are always harsh towards intruders. They come together or call each other during the breeding time to mate. After hatching, the males spend most of their time feeding and offering security to the females with young ones. During this time, females gain weight because they are at peace and the male will lose weight. The incubation process takes about 28 to 29 days and this is done in a different nest made during the breeding season.
Helmeted Guinea fowls are spotted in Murchison falls national park and Kibale national park. They can live for over 12 years while in the wild.
They lay over 50 eggs though they are frequently threatened by snakes which feed on their eggs. They guard their nests with a lot of care. On the spot, visitors see them chasing themselves as they play. They like to stay in pairs, while bathing in dust. They are sometimes called peacemakers and this is because they intervene when they see other birds fighting.
For travelers visiting Uganda for a short time, you can visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens to enjoy sightings of guinea fowls. And they can be spotted any day of the year depending on your scheduled safari. Our expert bird guides know the best spots where you can easily spot these guinea fowls while on your Uganda birding safari.
We are experts in organizing the best memorable birding safaris in Uganda and East Africa at large, and we are always ready and willing to take you to Uganda and give you an opportunity of spotting the guinea fowls.
