Large Black and White Bird

[littlekitty]

I've just driven past a bird near Newport in Shropshire that has me absolutely stumped. It was about the size and shape of a peacock, but without the long tail, it was mainly white with black markings (possibly black feather-edgings?) all over its body. I tihnk it also had a small crest. It was scratching in the grass at the edge of the road. Does anyone have any idea what it might have been?

[Ida]

Sounds like a strange one....An escaped Guinea Fowl, maybe?

[littlekitty]

Thanks Ida, that's exactly what it was! I thought it was probably an escapee of some kind but I couldn't find a matching photo.

[Ida]

No problem, glad to be of help.

Welcome to WAB, by the way.

[Gill Catton]

sounds a lot like a lapwing only this is far smaller than a peacock, could you be a bit out on the size?

[aeshna5]

It does sound a bit like a Helmeted Guinea Fowl which do escape + often survive in the world.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It does sound a bit like a Helmeted Guinea Fowl which do escape + often survive in the world.

Not breeding in the UK wild are they yet though?

[za64]

could it be a lady amhurst pheasent?
alan

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Not breeding in the UK wild are they yet though?

I'm not aware of any self-sustaining populations, but it wouldn't surprise me if a pair hasn't bred. They, along with Peacock, are coded on the BTO surveys.