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Guinea hens weigh more than guinea cocks, possibly because of the larger reproductive organs in the female compared to the male guineafowl. Also, the presence of relatively larger egg clusters in the dual-purpose guinea hens may be a factor that contributes to the higher body weight of the guinea hens. [citation needed]
The vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum) is the largest extant species of guineafowl.Systematically, it is only distantly related to other guineafowl genera. Its closest living relative, the white breasted guineafowl, Agelastes meleagrides inhabit primary forests in Central Africa.
They have a total length around 50 cm (20 in) and weigh 721–1,543 g (1.590–3.402 lb). [1] The plumage is overall blackish with dense white spots. They have distinctive black crests on the top of their heads, the form of which varies from small curly feathers to down depending upon subspecies, and which easily separates them from all other species of guineafowl, except the plumed guineafowl.
The western crested guineafowl (Guttera verreauxi) is a member of the Numididae, the guineafowl bird family. It is found in open forest, woodland and forest-savanna mosaics. It was previously known as the crested guineafowl when the three species were lumped togethe
Helmeted guinea fowl are seasonal breeders. Summer is the peak breeding season in which the testes could weigh up to 1.6 gm, while during winter no breeding activity takes place. The serum testosterone level is up to 5.37 ng/ ml during the breeding season. [13]
The incubation period is 26–28 days, and the chicks are called "keets". As keets, they are highly susceptible to dampness (they are indigenous to the more arid regions of Africa) and can die from following the mother through dewy grass. After their first two to six weeks of growth, though, they can be some of the hardiest domestic land fowl.
The white-breasted guineafowl is distributed in subtropical West African forests of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Although preferring a more dry climate, the species prioritizes forest coverage causing the distribution of the species to have a much broader distribution.
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.