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
Malabar Lark
Galerida malabarica
A rusty-brown bird with very heavily streaked upperparts. It has a short crest, paler underparts, and strong streaks that run down the breast. Similar to Crested Lark, but the Malabar Lark is smaller, has a shorter and straighter bill, and is generally darker. Similar to Tawny Lark as well, but slightly larger, with a slimmer bill, and more heavily marked. Inhabits grassy areas, rocky areas, and fields. Forages lazily, and often flocks outside the breeding season. Calls and songs consist of pleasant series of variable short whistles.
Coqui Francolin
Campocolinus coqui
Small, beautifully-patterned francolin. Males have a rufous head, while females have an elaborately-striped head, and both sexes show dark barring on the belly. Found on the ground in areas with thick grass, ranging from pure grassland to lush woodland. A generally shy and retiring species that sometimes sits out boldly when calling. Gives two distinctive calls: a repeated “co-qui” and a short series of cackling notes. Smaller than most other francolins, and bigger than quail and buttonquail. Its plumage pattern is distinctive when seen well.
Fawn-breasted Wren
Cantorchilus guarayanus
A rather nondescript medium-sized wren. Mostly brown above and rusty below, with a white eyebrow and pied streaked cheeks. Skulks in the undergrowth of seasonally flooded forest and second growth, often near water. The similar Buff-breasted Wren has less strongly marked cheeks and a more complex song. Where the two overlap, Fawn-breasted is more likely to be found in wetter habitats.
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