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.
识别特征
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.
分类信息
- 学名
- Agelastes niger
- 命名信息
- (Cassin, 1857)
- 目
- Galliformes
- 科
- Phasianidae
- 属
- Agelastes
分布与栖息地
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.
- 迁徙
- Resident species
行为
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.
保护状况
- 种群趋势
- declining
照片
分布
其他鸟类
Preuss's Swallow
Petrochelidon preussi
A locally abundant swallow often seen around bridges, buildings, and culverts, where it constructs its mud nests. Distinctive cream-colored underparts contrast with its nearly uniform glossy blue upperparts. In flight, it has a noticeable pale rump and a short tail with white “windows” in the tail feathers. Rather unique within its range. Gives raspy calls in flight.
Magenta-throated Woodstar
Philodice bryantae
Tiny hummingbird with long tail often cocked up. Slow bumblebee-like flight. The only woodstar in its range. Male has purple throat and white collar, otherwise greenish with some orange tones on the flanks. Female more confusing but note small size and flight style; also orange flanks, dark cheek with white spot behind eye, and white patches on sides of rump. Feeds at small flowers at all levels of forest edge, also visits feeders.
Johanna's Sunbird
Cinnyris johannae
A large, long-billed sunbird of forest and forest edge, sometimes venturing into gardens and farms. Both sexes have a distinctive long and mostly straight bill with a noticeable droop towards the tip. Males are iridescent green above and dark below with a green throat, a red-and-purple chest, and a maroon belly. Females are light brown above with a subtle eye-line, and pale with fine brown streaking below. Most likely to be confused with Splendid Sunbird, but look for the male’s green throat and maroon rather than red belly, and the female’s finely streaked underparts. Call is a descending whistled “tiuw.” The song is a complex jumble of whistled notes, not unlike that of other sunbirds.
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