Guinea Feathers
Domesticated as early as 1475 B.C. by the ancient Egyptians, they originated from one of several wild helmeted species found on what used to be called the "Guinea coast" of West Africa. Today they are widely held for their appetites for ticks. Several color variants are recognized including chocolate, slate, and porcelain.
Numida meleagris
Tying with Common Guinea Feathers
Plumage from this bird has been used by tiers and crafters since the nineteenth century.
Feathers from all over the bird are used in classic salmon flies for throats, in mixed and married wings and tails. Mary Orvis Marbury gives many patterns for lake, bass and trout flies in Famous Flies And Their Histories.
They employ both undyed and dyed body feathers. The earliest mention of a salmon fly is the Gaudy Fly that uses a whole body feather for a side on the wing. The dyed feathers also present the tier and crafter with many possibilities for new work.
- full skins - natural
- full skins - dyed
- fly patterns
- links to other guineafowl breeds
Full Skins
Here are a few skins that I have in stock at the moment. This fall when the birds come into full feather I'll be getting more up here.
Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image. If there is a color you're looking for, please give me a call.
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| pearl | lavender |
Full Skin
Here are a few dyed colors. I'll be working on dying some other colors as soon as this seasons birds come into full feather.
Click on one of the thumbnails below to view a larger image. If there is a certain color you are looking for, please give me a call.
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| red | yellow | orange |
I'm looking for pictures of flies and the recipies you used to tie them. Please give me a call or email me for more information.
Thanks!
All 6 species of guineafowl are native to Africa. With the exception of the helmeted and vulturine, they are predominatly forest birds. Only the hemeted has been domesticated and today is commonly seen around farm buildings. They can't be missed, just the slightest concern will set them off chattering hysterically. |
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