As it inhabits dense, potentially inaccessible, regions of equatorial African jungle, little is known of black guineafowl behaviour or habits.

It occurs in primary and secondary growth woodland, favouring parts with thick undergrowth, but sometimes venturing out onto adjacent cultivated lands.

They spend much of their time looking for food on the forest floor, living in primary (old-growth) and secondary tropical rainforest as well as occasionally foraging in cultivated croplands or pastures.

[2] Regardless of location, black guineafowl feel most reassured being in or near-to thick jungle vegetation in order to flee from threats or predators.

The black guineafowl's genome includes a toll-like receptor (TLR1) which plays an important role in the bird's immune system.

[4] The population trend for the black guineafowl seems to be downward, because it is hunted for food, possibly unsustainably, and may suffer from degradation of its habitat.