The helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) – the best known of the guineafowl bird family, Numididae, and the only member of the genus Numida – was traditionally hunted for sport. It is native to Africa, mainly south of the Sahara, and has been widely introduced into the West Indies, Brazil, Australia and Europe. Helmeted Guineafowl spend most of their time on the ground, foraging for food – they can walk up to 10 km a day. They can fly, but will use this option only when they are in danger or to get up to their roosts for the night. These flights are usually very short, not more than about 100m.
