214 



NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



those with bare heads and bony helmets, or those with an occipital feathery patch. There 

 are five or six species of the first division, about four of the second, and one of the 

 last. The first has been separated by some authors under the generic term, Guttera, 

 and are much more graceful birds than those of which the common Guinea-hen, 

 Numida meleagris, is the type. They have a jet-black plumage dotted over with 

 small bluish-white or light-green spots ; the bare skin of the neck is blue or purplish, 

 some having these parts diversified with bright red. The top of the head is covered 

 with a long, full, black crest, and the primaries are buff. Several species also have the 

 upper part of the breast black, of a more or less extensive area, sometimes tinted with 

 chestnut. The skin of the neck is full, and forms a pleat or fold behind and on the 



- FUtttL 



FIG. 101. Aery Ilium vulturinum. 



sides. The helmeted Guinea-fowls have the upper part of the head bare, with a bony 

 crest in the centre, varying in size according to the species, and with wattles of differ- 

 ent shape and colors pendant from the angles of the mouth. These birds also have a 

 general black plumage covered with white spots, JV. meleagris also having the upper 

 part of the breast and back brown with a lilac lustre. Two species, N'. mitrata and 

 Acryllium vulturinum, are found in Madagascar ; the one last-named, and all the other 

 members of the sub-family, are found in various portions of the African continent. 

 They go in large flocks, are very noisy, extremely swift of foot, wild and wary. The 

 A- vulturinum is a peculiar as well as a very beautiful bird, with the lower part of 

 the neck, and upper portion of the back and breast covered with very long lanceolate 



