Black Guineafowl
Agelastes niger
Small black guineafowl with a long tail and a bare red head. Note the narrow line of black feathers along the back of the neck and the top of the head. Found on the ground in lowland rainforest, sometimes venturing into forest clearings or onto tracks. Usually in pairs or small groups, which are quite shy. The vocalizations include a long series of “too-wit” whistles and fast, repeated, metallic “ghik” notes. Similar to other guineafowl, but smaller, all black, without white spots, and with an all-red head.
Identification
The head and upper neck of an adult black guineafowl are unfeathered, revealing the pink skin. A crest of short downy feathers is on the forehead and crown, and the throat and lower neck have a scattering of downy feathers. The body and tail feathers are black with some paler speckled markings on the belly. Males have one to three spurs on their legs, while females either have none or a single short spur. Juveniles are similar, but have buff tips to the feathers on their upper parts, a speckled breast, and white belly. The beak is greenish grey and the legs greyish brown. Males are usually slightly larger than females and measure about 42 cm (17 in) in length, weighing about 700 g (25 oz). The call is a monotonous high-pitched "kwee" repeated at the rate of two to three notes per second. The alarm call is an even shriller sound repeated more rapidly.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Agelastes niger
- Authority
- (Cassin, 1857)
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Agelastes
Range and habitat
The black guineafowl is native to the western portions of Central Africa (south of the Sahara), from Nigeria and Cameroon in the west, east and southeast through Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The geographical limit of the species' range is estimated to be around 764,000 km2 (295,000 sq mi). The birds are terrestrial, however they can fly short distances. They spend much of their time looking for food on the forest floor, living in primary (old-growth) and secondary tropical rainforest as well as occasionally foraging in cultivated croplands or pastures. Regardless of location, black guineafowl feel most reassured being in or near-to thick jungle vegetation in order to flee from threats or predators.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The black guineafowl has been little studied. It is usually found in pairs or small groups, and is a shy, elusive bird of the forest floor. It occurs in primary and secondary growth woodland, favouring parts with thick undergrowth, but sometimes venturing out onto adjacent cultivated lands. It feeds on invertebrates such as ants, termites, millipedes, and beetles, and also small frogs, seeds, berries, and shoots. The nesting habits of this species are not known, but the eggs are pale reddish-brown, sometimes shaded with yellow or purple. It may breed in the dry season or possibly at any time of year.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Streak-breasted Woodpecker
Picus viridanus
Medium-sized green woodpecker with delicate scale-like patterning on the underparts. Sexes differ primarily in crown color; male’s is red, female’s is black. Very similar in appearance to Streak-throated and Laced Woodpeckers; note this species’ combination of unpatterned yellow throat, patchy-looking “mustache” stripe, and well-marked breast. Habitat preferences also differ; Streak-breasted favors lowland evergreen broadleaf forests, as well as coastal scrub forest and mangroves. Like other similar “Asian green woodpeckers”, frequently forages close to, or on, the ground. Gives a harsh, resonant “tchik, tchik”, often in series, as well as an explosive rattling.
Great Iora
Aegithina lafresnayei
A yellowish canopy-dweller with a long, powerful-looking bill. Male is dark above and yellow below, while female is ironically distinctive in her lack of distinctive characteristics; she is plain gray-green above and yellow below. Both sexes can be separated from other ioras by the proportionally larger bill, greater size, and lack of wingbars. Inhabits primary and late secondary broadleaf forests, as well as forest edge, in lowland and foothill regions. Song is a rapid-fire series of high-pitched “chew” notes. Like other ioras, frequently joins mixed-species flocks.
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Small, dark heron with a blue-green back, rusty-colored neck and dark cap. Usually in a crouched position, partly concealed in vegetation, waiting patiently for prey. In flight, looks like an awkward crow with broad wings, neck tucked in, and legs extending just beyond the tail. Often vocal when flushed; gives a sharp "skeiw!"
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