GUINEA FOWL, or PINTADO, Numiela, a genus of gallinaceous birds of the family phasianidw, having a short, strong bill, the upper mandible vaulted, a warty membrane at the base of the bill, and a wattle hanging down on each side, the head and upper part of the neck generally naked, the forehead surmounted either with a callous or a feathery crest; the back much elevated and arched, the tail short. The species are all natives of Africa and Madagascar. The best known is the common GUINEA Fowl, or PINTADO (V: meleagris), with naked head, hard callous casque, and slate-colored plumage, everywhere speckled with round white spots of various sizes. It is common in Guinea, and apparently through all the regions thence to the neighborhood of the cape of Good Hope; it is found also in more northern parts of Africa, and was known to the ancient Romans, by whom it was called melcagris and galling numidica. Its flesh was highly prized by them. In a wild state, the Guinea fowl is generally seen in large flocks. It
is not so polygamous as many of the gallinaceous birds, and even in a state of domesti cation, exhibits the inclination to pair. It is now common in the poultry-yards of most parts of Europe, although it is more adapted to warm than to cold climates, and in Jamaica has been completely naturalized, so as to be destructive to crops, and to be shot like other game. In Britain the young are rather troublesome to rear, but the high price borne in the market both by the birds and their eggs, compensates those who keep Guinea fowls for profit. The eggs are small, and have a thick strong shell, but are particularly esteemed. Guinea fowls, however, are troublesome in a poultry-yard, from the disposition of the males to attack and tyrannize over other poultry. The Guinea fowl has a peculiar harsh and querulous cry, which it emits with great frequency. There is a white variety of Guinea fowl.