| Craciformes |
| Birds are a very large family of animals, so many, that they are broken down into groups by order, according to the Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy- a new and increasingly approved taxonomy based on DNA analysis, as opposed to the older taxonomy, which was more based on appearance, geography, and behavior. |
| Helmeted Guineafowl |
|
Species:
Numido meleagris Length: 23-25" (58-63cm) |
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| The Helmeted Guineafowl is pretty common across this area of Africa. We saw them in Tanzania as well as Zambia, though the ones in Zambia are much more heavily spotted. They are a great-looking bird- colorful and heavily spotted. They are a ground bird related to the turkey. We spotted these in South Luangwa National Park. |
| Red-Necked Francolin (Spurfowl) |
|
Species:
Francolinus afer Length: 25-38cm |
| We spotted this decent specimen of a Red-Necked Francolin in South
Luangwa National Park early in our night safari, when it was still
daylight. They are shy ground birds and stay close to cover, nesting on bare ground. Their range is Zambia to Tanzania and down the east coast of Africa. |
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