Functional morphology of the epidermal structures of the feeding apparatus of Guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris)

The aim of the present study is to understand the functional role of the various epidermal structures of the feeding apparatus of the guinea fowl. The study is carried out by utilizing six adult birds of both sexes. The morphometric measurements of the different epidermal structures of the head, beak and tongue were measured and tabulated and analyzed its functional significance. All the measurements taken are slightly higher in males than the female birds. The helmet, wattles, cere and the bare skin of the head help to tackle considerable range of environmental temperatures which facilitates the guinea fowl to forage in hot conditions. A stout and thick and pointed bill, sharp tomium, smooth culmen, well developed cere, gable shaped roof and concave surface of the lingua are the adaptations for the insect and seed- eating habit in hot climatic conditions .The V shaped mucosal swelling, well-developed palatine ridges provides a grip for the closure of the beak and also it does not allow the stored seed grains to escape out. The dorsally concave, ventrally convex, cranially pointed and slimy tongue helps in picking up the food, transportation and major support in drinking. The caudally backwardly directed papillae of the tongue, the choanal cleft and pharyngeal and palatal folds help in channelizing the food, cracking the nuts and seeds and to prevent regurgitation. The results of the present study on epidermal structures of the feeding apparatus of the head, beak and tongue reflects that these structures support several behavioral activities such as food seeking, drinking, preening, picking, probing, nesting, territory fighting, etc in semi-open habitats such as savanna or semi deserts and also in forests.