Crested Guineafowl are closely related to the Peafowl, and distantly related to the Pheasants. Crested Guineafowl can be distinguished by their crown of dark, curly feathers and spotted, brown bodies. Mating season begins in November, when breeding pairs separate from the flock to nest.
Pairs rejoin the flock after their offspring become self sufficient.
Crested Guineafowl prefer grass nests made in the underbrush of thickets or forests, where they lay their unusually hard eggs. Their diet consists of both plant products and insects found by scratching the ground. They use their strong kicking capabilities to protect themselves from predators, since they are weak fliers.