American guineafowl

The **American guineafowl** (*Pavomagris respendis*) is a species of ground bird, and a member of the gamebird family Phasianidae, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. Despite its name, it is not related to true guineafowls (Numididae) of Africa, but rather closely related to wild turkeys (*Meleagris gallopavo*). The male of this species is a large bird of up to 64–70 centimeters (25–28 inches) in length. The male's feathers are deep blue with a metallic brownish and greenish tinge, while its neck and parts of its head feathers are all black. It has grey feet and a black tail with fourteen tail feathers. The female measures up to 60–63 centimetres (24–25 inches) in length and is generally a chestnut brown bird with a black abdomen and a metallic green back. This is a gregarious species, forming flocks outside the breeding season typically of about 25 birds that also roost communally. American guineafowl are particularly well-suited to consuming massive quantities of ticks, which might otherwise spread lyme disease. These birds are terrestrial, and prone to run rather than fly when alarmed. Like most gallinaceous birds, they have a short-lived explosive flight and rely on gliding to cover extended distances. American guineafowl can walk 10 km and more in a day. Their bodies are well-suited for running and they are remarkably successful in maintaining dynamic stability over rough terrain at speed. They make loud harsh calls when disturbed. Their diet consists of a variety of animal and plant food. During the non-breeding season, American guinefowls can also consume domestic/pest plants such as corns, tubers, and seeds, particularly of agricultural weeds, as well as various agricultural crop spillage. During the breeding season, more than 80% of their diet may be invertebrates, particularly arthropods like beetles. American guineafowl are equipped with strong claws and scratch in loose soil for food much like domestic chickens, although they seldom uproot growing plants in so doing. Like the true guineafowls, they have no spurs. They may live for up to 12 years in the wild, but can live to be about 20 years of age. Males often show aggression towards each other, and will partake in aggressive fighting which may leave other males bloodied and otherwise injured. They will attempt to make themselves look more fearsome by raising their wings upwards from their sides and bristling their feathers across the length of the body, and they may also rush towards their opponent with a gaping beak. The nest is a well-hidden, generally unlined scrape and a clutch is normally some 10 to 16 eggs which the female incubates for 26 to 28 days. Nests containing larger numbers of eggs are the result of more than one hen using the nest; eggs are large and an incubating bird could not realistically cover significantly more than a normal clutch. The conservation status of the American guineafowl is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the American guineafowl's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.