vulturine guinea fowl

bird

Also known as: Acryllium vulturinum

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The vulturine guinea fowl (Acryllium vulturinum) is a large, long-tailed bird native to eastern Africa. It is the most colorful species within the guinea fowl family.12

Key characteristics include:
* A naked, vulture-like blue head.12
* A long neck adorned with lanceolate feathers striped in blue, black, and white.12
* Black plumage spotted with white on its back and a bluish abdomen that deepens to purple on the sides.1

Guinea fowl belong to the family Numididae and are known for their loud alarm calls, often used as "watchdogs" on farms.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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guinea fowl
…and most-colourful species is the vulturine guinea fowl (Acryllium vulturinum), of eastern Africa, a long-necked bird with a hackle of long lance-shaped feathers striped black, white, and blue; red eyes; and a vulturelike bare blue head.
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…and most-colourful species is the vulturine guinea fowl (Acryllium vulturinum), of eastern Africa, a long-necked bird with a hackle of long lance-shaped feathers striped black, white, and blue; red eyes; and a vulturelike bare blue head.
Read More