Guineafowl originate from Africa and are related to other game birds such as pheasants, turkeys and partridges. They have a long history of domestication, and there are various colour variations apart from the natural colour of the wild-living Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris), called 'pearl'. Because of their loud shrieking voices, guineafowl are often kept together with other fowl where they act as a security system against intruders or birds of prey.