Helmeted guinea fowl

The helmeted guineafowl is a distinctive African bird with a bony crest on its head, like a little helmet. Though wild populations live south of the Sahara, people have brought these birds to places like the Americas and Australia.

• Its scientific name Numida meleagris comes from an ancient name for African birds.
• It's the only species in its genus, making it unique among guinea fowl.
• Domesticated versions live far beyond their native African range.