Crested guineafowl
Scientific name: Guttera pucherani
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Dark slate-blue plumage with a distinctive crest of elongated feathers on the crown. Head is largely bare with blue and red skin patches; smaller and more delicate than domestic guineafowl. Sexes similar in appearance.
Size and weight
Males 45–50 cm body length, 0.8–1.1 kg; females slightly smaller at 42–47 cm and 0.7–0.95 kg.
Habitat
Inhabits dense montane forests and woodland at elevations between 1,500 and 3,500 meters. Prefers areas with thick understory vegetation and leaf litter.
Distribution
Endemic to montane forests of East Africa, primarily in Kenya and Tanzania's highlands. Found in areas with substantial forest cover above 1,500 meters elevation.
Diet
Forages primarily on seeds, fallen fruits, berries, and invertebrates (insects, snails, millipedes); seasonal preference shifts toward more fruit in wet months.
Behaviour
Mostly terrestrial and crepuscular, actively foraging at dawn and dusk. Moves in small flocks of 4–10 birds; runs swiftly when alarmed and roosts in trees at night.
Hunting tips
Look for distinctive three-toed tracks in soft soil and accumulations of scattered droppings along forest paths. Approach uphill through dense cover, moving slowly to intercept birds during dawn and dusk feeding forays. Listen for low clucking calls and quietly position yourself where birds cross open ground between foraging areas.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 5 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.