Crested Guineafowl
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Crested guineafowls are chicken-sized birds with dark gray to black plumage and whitish spots. Their most recognizable and namesake feature is the mop-like crest of black feathers on top of their head. Adults average 20 inches in length from head to tail and feed on seeds, fruit, roots, and insects. They live in flocks of about 20 birds for most of the year and form long-lasting monogamous pairs. Females lay eggs in densely covered ground nests, and both parents tend and guard their young until maturity.
Interesting Fact 1
Crested guineafowls resemble domestic chickens and make a comprable "clucking" noise when scratching at the dirt in search of food.
Interesting Fact 2
Chicks are born with white stripes that fade over time.
Interesting Fact 3
During courtship displays, males dart around females and spread their wings.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
