Guttera

Guttera is a genus of birds in the family Numididae, commonly known as guineafowl. These birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The genus currently comprises two recognized species:

• Plumed Guineafowl ( Guttera plumifera): Found in the lowland forests of Central Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive, often curly, feather plumes on its head.

• Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani): Distributed across a wider range of sub-Saharan Africa, occupying various habitats from coastal forests to drier savanna regions. This species possesses a prominent crest of feathers on its head, which varies in color and form depending on the subspecies.

Guineafowl in the Guttera genus are typically medium-sized birds with dark plumage, often spotted or speckled with white. They are social birds, typically found in flocks. Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. They are ground-nesting birds, laying a clutch of eggs in a concealed location. The conservation status of both species is generally considered to be of least concern, although habitat loss and hunting can pose localized threats.