Department of Statistical Sciences
University of Cape Town
| Avian Demography Unit
Department of Statistical Sciences University of Cape Town |
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Seabird Islands of South AfricaRobben Island
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 Photo Les Underhill |
On 1 October 2004, Pete Mayhew (RSPB, Scotland) and I were doing an African Black Oystercatcher count on Robben Island. All of a sudden, a Helmeted Guineafowl erupted out of some low scrub at our feet, and a few seconds later a second bird flew off about one metre farther on. We quickly spotted the nest at the spot from which the second bird flew off. |
 Photo Les Underhill |
Typically, the clutch size for Helmeted Guineafowl is 8 to 12 eggs, so the 23 eggs in this nest must have been laid by two females. Considering that this is such a common species, remarkably few nests are found. But this is not surprising, when you realize how tightly they sit on their eggs! |
 Photo Les Underhill |
On 16 October 2004, I revisited the nest. This time, only one Helmeted Guineafowl was present, and sat even tighter than on 1 October. When she left the nest, this was what she was incubating. 26 eggs! Counting them is quite a challenge. |
 Photo Les Underhill |
When next I passed the nest, the eggs had hatched. As is typical for a guineafowl, the shells were left in the nest. The chicks leave the nest as soon as they hatch. The shrub no longer provides much cover, the early summer sun and the notorious south-easter having dessicated the shrubs that a few weeks early had provided excellent concealment for the nest. |
