a guinea fowl
molting polka dot feathers—
handmade earrings
molting polka dot feathers—
handmade earrings
W&N Watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm
Like turkeys, guineas are Galliformes, a group encompassing all chicken-like birds. But while chickens are members of the pheasant family, turkeys and guineas each have a family of their own. Native to Africa, they are known for travelling in large, gregarious flocks. There are seven species of guinea fowl, of which the 'helmeted' is by far the most common, and certainly the weirdest looking, with its oddly shaped helmet, white, featherless face, bright red wattles, and grey polka-dotted feathers.
Free-ranging guineas spend most of their days foraging. They work as a team, marching chest to chest and devouring anything they startle as they move through the grass. When they discover a special treat—a rodent, for example, or a small snake—they close ranks, circle their prey, and move in for the feast. All the while, they keep up a steady stream of whistles, chirps, and clicks, a sort of running commentary on the day's hunt.
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Lovely painting and I enjoyed your story too! So glad they came to visit you again.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz! And yes, I was ecstatic!
DeleteGuinea fowl are such fun birds! We don't have wild ones but some are kept as pets. Your painting of one made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are Elva, and make the most wonderful pets. Glad this one put a smile on your face!
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