guineahen

A guineahen is the adult female of the guinea fowl, a bird species in the family Numididae with the scientific name Numida meleagris. Guinea fowl are native to Africa, but domesticated and feral populations are kept in many parts of the world for meat, eggs, and pest control. They are ground-dwelling birds that prefer open habitats such as savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas, and they often roost in trees at night to avoid predators.

In appearance, the guineahen resembles the male in the characteristic spotted plumage, although females are generally slightly smaller and can have a lighter or less contrasted face. Both sexes show the blue-gray bare skin on the head and a small casque, with differences between males and females being subtle.

Guineahens are social and foraging birds. They move in flocks and feed on a mix of seeds, grains, insects, and other small invertebrates, making them helpful for natural pest control in some settings. They breed in warm seasons, with the female incubating a clutch typically ranging from about 6 to 12 eggs for roughly 23 to 28 days. After hatching, the precocial chicks, or keets, are capable of leaving the nest soon after.

In captivity, guineahens are valued for meat and eggs, though their eggs are smaller than chicken eggs. They require ample space, protection from predators, and secure housing. While generally hardy, they can be noisy and are sensitive to extreme conditions and stress. Conservation status is not considered threatened in broad terms, though local wild populations may be affected by habitat change and hunting.