The guinea fowl is in the family of birds and is found in the Galliformes order. In most parts it is a domestic bird. There are two types of guinea fowls: the Pearl and the White. They are mostly from the western parts of the continent of Africa. However, man has overtime introduced it to different regions in the world. Although they appear to be quite large, their weight is barely between 0.7 and 1.6, while its length is between 40 cm and 72 cm. They are mostly found on land in woodlands, the savanna and forests.

They have several physical attributes that enable them to survive in their habitats with the most unique one being the red bald head. They are not large in size, are short and have quite strong legs. As with all members of the Galliforme family, they have beautiful conspicuous colors. The male and the female are very alike and it is hard to tell them apart.

Most of the species can still be found, but there is one that is presumed to be extinct. All guinea fowls are inactive and they can not fly so they do not migrate. They lead a monogamous lifestyle when they are mating; always in pairs. Like all other members in the Galliforme family, they have quite strong vocal talents and are very alert when it comes to noises and sounds they are not accustomed to. This, they use to protect themselves and also to attract the females during breeding. Due to this, the guinea fowl is known to be quite a noisy bird.

If they are free range, their diet mainly consists of insects, worms and weed seeds. They include lice, spiders, ticks and ants; but when being sheltered, they can be given chicken food. They usually start foraging for food during the evening hours of the day. The earlier part of the day is spent drinking water, grooming and just lazing around. In rare cases, they like the helmeted guinea fowl, a top their normal diet, even feed on toads; the small kind.

The helmeted guinea fowl is the most famous bird when it comes to game hunting. They are known to reduce pests on your farm but also in cases where they are not supposed to, they can take down your honey production because they feed on the bees. In that case, they can bring about a great loss.

It is advisable that when you are keeping guinea fowls that you do not put them together with chicken; otherwise you will just end losing them due to hunger. The guinea fowl tend to be bullies and will make them have a rough time.

The guinea fowl lays eggs. Its offspring are called keets and are very tender and weak during their first few weeks. They are sensitive to water and dump areas and can die easily if not kept an eye on. This is because of their origin, from the dry western parts of the continent of Africa.