The guinea fowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus, 1758) is a bird species belonging to the Galliformes order, family Numididae, subfamily Numidinae, originating in Africa, of which there are currently about ten known subspecies. Domesticated specimens differ very little from wild specimens, weighing more than 2 kg and laying more than 150 eggs per year. Their eggs are slightly smaller and denser and have thicker shells than those of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus L.), which makes them easier to transport. A gregarious but monogamous bird, it is highly resistant to inclement weather, except for extremely cold temperatures.