The guineafowl are a family of birds in the Galliformes order. The guineafowl are native to Africa, but the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) have been introduced elsewhere. Guineafowl is the common name for any of the seven species of gallinaceous birds of the family Numididae, native to Africa and Madagascar. The helmeted guinea fowl, Numida meleagris, from which the domesticated strains are descended, is typical of the family, with its bare head and neck, sleek body, smooth dark feathers dotted with white, and short tail. It is named for its bony casque.
See also: Helmeted guinea fowl, Kenya crested guineafowl, Vulturine guineafowl
