Family NUMIDIDAE Sharpe, 1899

Museums

Regional Maps

• Agelastinae Bonaparte, C.L. 1853. Classification ornithologique par series. Comptes Rendus (Hebdomadaires) des Séances de l'Academie des Sciences. Série D. Sciences Naturelles .

  Type genus:

   Agelastes Bonaparte, 1850.
• Meleagridinae des Murs, O. in Chenu, J.C. 1854. Oiseaux. Encyclopédie d'Historie Naturelle. Paris : Marescq & Compagnie. [dated 1853].

  Type genus:

   Meleagris Chenu & de Murs, 1854.

Introduction

Numididae (guineafowl) are recognised as a family in Christidis and Boles (2008: 59). Subject to DNA analysis and interpretation, the family Numididae (guineafowl) was raised from a subfamily of the Phasianidae (pheasants, partridges and quail). The group is naturally centred in the African continent, although, as domesticated birds, they have been introduced to other continents. There are six species in four genera, only one of which is introduced and has become a feral species in Australia. The subspecific status of the Australian populations is indeterminate and is suggestive of hybridization between subspecies.

Guineafowl are gregarious. Noisy flocks naturally occupy dry habitats but, owing to domestication feral populations are also found in other environments both on the mainland and on some offshore islands. They are omnivorous, feeding on vegetable matter including grains, tubers, seeds and flowers, but also insects and other invertebrates. Flocks roost in groups, these aggregations are often accompanied by contact and feeding calls, their loud signal alarm has been utilised by man as a warning of possible encroaching danger.

Helmeted Guineafowl are monogamous, although pairs are not maintained outside the breeding period. Nests are constructed on the ground, these are shallow, scraped depression lined with grass and feathers; the eggs are short oval or oval, varying in base colour in ochrous shades and marked with darker dots and spots incubated by the female. The nest is defended by alarm calls. Precocial young follow the hen bird to feed and for protection often abandoning the nest completely.

General References

Christidis, L. & Boles, W.E. 2008. Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 288 pp. [59-60]

History of changes