Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
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Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

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Description:
There are six species of guinea fowl in Africa. One can also be found in Madagascar and other Indian Ocean Islands. The ones scurrying around the Zoo are the west African subspecies – Numida meleagris galeata. These helmeted guinea fowl are the most widely distributed of guinea fowl and have been domesticated since the time of the Romans.

They are noisy, mid-sized birds weighing up to 3 1/2 pounds (1.5 kg). They seem to always have a nervous air about them and they will ‘sound the alarm’ when they sense danger Males (which have a Beardsley Zoo band on their right leg) make a loud “CHI-CHi-Chi-chi” shriek while females make a sound similar to “buck-wheat, buck-wheat.” Young guinea fowl, called keets, do not make the loud noises until they get a little older.

Females usually hide their nests and will lay 20 to 30 eggs. They are not considered the best “Moms” because if their nest has been disturbed in any way they will abandon it deserting and eggs and/or keets. Hawks,owls, raccoons, coyote and fox are some of their wild enemies. Like the peacock, guinea fowl will roost in trees.

Since guinea fowl are domestic they can come in a variety of colors, approximately 20 different varieties. Royal blue, pewter, sky blue, porcelain, buff, white, bronze, violet, chocolate and pearl gray to name a few. Pearl gray is what you will find at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. They are not widely raised commercially, but they are kept on some small farms and act as mobile alarm systems.

Their wild cousins, the white-breasted guinea fowl, are the most endangered species in Africa. They suffer from habitat destruction and hunting.
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​The guinea fowl roam the Zoo grounds looking for tasty insects. One of their favorites is Japanese beetles and a second is ticks! Their two “hang-outs” are near the Rainforest and in the New England Farmyard.
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203-394-6565
​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Open 9am-4pm daily
​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

2019 Kids Out and About #1
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Connecticut - Still Revolutionary
Weekly Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2014
FC Buzz Events - Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Centennial
    • Contact Us
    • Donation Requests
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • COVID Guidelines
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Bird Walks
    • Citizen Science >
      • FrogWatch
      • MonarchWatch
    • Conservation >
      • City Nature Challenge
      • Conservation Pledge
    • Cool Blue >
      • Cool Blue Schools
    • Distance Learning
    • Educational Resources
    • Evening Lectures
    • Field Trips
    • Just 4 Teens >
      • CDC
      • Explorers
    • Teachers
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events >
      • Centennial Gala
      • Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari
    • Gift Guide
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Parties, Rentals & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
    • Preferred Vendors
    • Preferred Wedding Vendors
    • Event Guidelines
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • En Espanol
  • Buy Tickets