There are eight species in this family of birds. They live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

They are 17-24 inches in length and have a small, rounded head; bare head and neck; a short, rounded tail; a curved bill; and a pear-shaped body. They have grayish-black feathers spotted with white.

Some species, like the vulturine guineafowl, have brightly colored feathers around their necks and chests; other species, like the helmeted guineafowl, have crests on their heads.

Guineafowl eat seeds and invertebrates. They roost in trees at night and make their nests on the ground. Guineafowl can fly, but they are very fast runners and usually run to escape danger. They are also known as guineahens and have been domesticated in some places and raised for food.