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Landfowl

Landfowl usually refers to birds that mainly move on the ground, forage and breed on land) A more detailed introduction and classification overview. It should be noted that "landfowl" is not a strict monophyletic group, but an "eco-morphological" collection formed based on ecological and morphological characteristics (such as feeding, running or perching on the ground). Modern bird phylogenetic studies show that these ground-dwelling birds are scattered in multiple different orders and have no single common ancestor. Landfowl is one of the six major ecological groups of birds. Landfowl refers to birds in the Galliformes and Columbidae in the class Aves. There are 52 species of birds in these two orders in Yunnan. These birds mainly live on land, so they are called landfowl. Grouse, pheasants, peacocks, etc. all belong to this category. Most landfowl are resident birds, and a small number are migratory birds.

I. Introduction to Terrestrial Birds

1. Definition and Key Traits

  • Primarily Ground-Dwelling: Most terrestrial birds spend significant time foraging, nesting, or resting on the ground. Some (like ostriches and emus) have entirely lost the ability to fly, while others (e.g., many galliform birds) can fly short distances but generally stay on land.

  • Body and Limb Adaptations: They often have strong leg musculature for running, scratching, or digging in the soil. Certain groups specialize in endurance running (e.g., ostriches), while others rely on short, explosive flights for escape (e.g., pheasants).

  • Ecological Diversity: They inhabit a range of environments—tropical savannas, temperate deserts, montane scrublands, and agricultural grasslands. Their diets can be herbivorous, omnivorous, or carnivorous (e.g., eating seeds, insects, small invertebrates).

  • Close Relationship with Humans: Many terrestrial birds have been domesticated (chicken, turkey, guineafowl) or hunted (pheasants, quail). They hold substantial economic and cultural significance.

2. Diversity and Ecological Roles

  • Terrestrial birds span flightless “ratites” (e.g., ostriches, rheas, emus) to ground-adapted fowl that can still fly short distances (e.g., galliform birds like chickens and pheasants).

  • In wild ecosystems, they act as seed dispersers, vegetation controllers, or key links in the food web. In human societies, they provide meat, eggs, and cultural value (e.g., game birds, ornamental species).

II. Evolutionary History

  1. Origins and Radiation

    • Birds emerged from theropod dinosaurs in the Mesozoic era and diversified extensively by the end of the Cretaceous. Some lineages adopted primarily ground-based lifestyles, developing running, scratching, or ground-nesting traits.

    • During the Paleogene and Neogene, geographic isolation and varied habitats spurred further specialization, such as flightless ratites in the Southern Hemisphere and galliforms in the Northern Hemisphere.

  2. Single or Multiple Losses of Flight

    • Large, flightless birds (e.g., ostriches, emus, cassowaries, rheas) exemplify parallel evolution, having independently reduced or lost their flying abilities.

    • Although scattered in different orders/families, they share similar adaptations for terrestrial living (large bodies, powerful legs).

  3. Co-Evolution with Humans

    • Humans have domesticated chickens, turkeys, guineafowl for centuries and hunted many species of pheasants and quail.

    • Several terrestrial birds have significant economic value in agriculture and ecotourism, but habitat loss and hunting threaten some wild populations.

III. Major “Terrestrial Bird” Groups and Classification Table

Below is a list of notable ground-dwelling bird orders and families according to modern avian taxonomy. As “terrestrial birds” are not a monophyletic clade, these orders differ widely in phylogeny but share a ground-based ecological lifestyle.

(A) Ratites and Allies (Flightless “Running Birds”)

1. Ostriches, Rheas, Emus, Cassowaries, Tinamous

These birds typically have lost the ability to fly, are large-bodied, and mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere and Africa, sometimes collectively called “ratites.”

OrderFamilyRepresentative GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Struthioniformes (Ostriches)Struthionidae (Ostrich)Struthio (ostrich)Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus)Largest living bird, native to African savannas/deserts; cannot fly, runs at high speed.
Rheiformes (Rheas)Rheidae (Rheas)Rhea (rhea)Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)Found in South American grasslands; flightless, smaller than ostriches.
Casuariiformes (Emus, Cassowaries)Dromaiidae (Emu), Casuariidae (Cassowary)Dromaius (emu), Casuarius (cassowary)Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)Endemic to Australia/New Guinea; large, flightless, known for speed (emus) or powerful kicks (cassowaries).
Tinamiformes (Tinamous)* or included within PaleognathaeTinamidae (Tinamous)Tinamus, CrypturellusGreat Tinamou (Tinamus major), etc.Central & South America; can fly short distances but mostly ground-based. Considered “primitive” among ground birds.

Note: Some classifications treat Tinamous as a separate order (Tinamiformes), while others group them with ratites under Paleognathae, depending on molecular studies.

(B) Galliformes (“Gamefowl”)

Galliform birds are quintessential “land birds”: usually of medium size, with short, rounded wings for bursts of flight but spending most time on the ground.

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Chickens, Partridges, Quail, etc.)Gallus (Junglefowl), Phasianus (True pheasants), Coturnix (Old World quail), etc.Domestic Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), etc.Very diverse, found across Eurasia, Africa, parts of the Americas. Many species are domesticated or important game birds.
Numididae (Guineafowl)Numida (Helmeted Guineafowl), etc.Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)Native to Africa, known for “pearl-like” spots on feathers, also domesticated in some regions.
Meleagrididae (Turkeys)Meleagris (turkeys)Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)Native to North America. Large ground birds, source of domestic turkey; males exhibit colorful wattles and tail fans.
Tetraonidae (Grouse, Ptarmigan)* sometimes included in PhasianidaeTetrao (Capercaillies), Lagopus (Ptarmigan)Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), etc.Typically in cooler Northern Hemisphere regions or high mountains. Feathers can change seasonally for camouflage.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)Colinus (Bobwhites), Odontophorus (Wood Quail), etc.Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), etc.Found in the Americas, resembling Old World quail in body form and ground-based habits.

Note: Family boundaries within Galliformes vary; some sources merge grouse into Phasianidae.

(C) Other Common Ground-Dwelling Birds

Beyond the “ratites” and “gamefowl,” several other orders have predominantly ground-based families or genera. A few key examples:

  1. Otidiformes (Bustards)

    • Otididae (Bustards): e.g., Great Bustard (Otis tarda), African bustards; large, flight-capable but strongly ground-oriented birds in Eurasian and African grasslands.

  2. Gruiformes (Cranes, Rails, and Allies)

    • Rallidae (Rails, Coots): e.g., Common Coot, various rails. Primarily live in wetlands or marshy ground.

    • Gruidae (Cranes): Though cranes migrate via flight, they feed and nest on the ground in marshes or grasslands.

  3. Columbiformes (Pigeons, Doves)

    • Many species are strong fliers, but certain doves and ground-doves spend much time pecking seeds on the ground.

  4. Passeriformes (Perching Birds) partial ground-dwellers

    • Families such as Alaudidae (Larks) and some Motacillidae (Wagtails, Pipits) forage extensively on open ground, though they remain capable of sustained flight.

IV. Summary

  1. Multiple Origins and Convergent Adaptations

    • “Terrestrial birds” do not form a single evolutionary lineage; rather, multiple avian orders independently evolved ground-based lifestyles—strong legs, ground nesting, and foraging.

    • From large flightless ratites to ground-frequenting galliforms and bustards, they illustrate repeated occupation of terrestrial niches.

  2. Ecological and Human Importance

    • Many ground birds serve crucial functions in grassland or desert ecosystems, dispersing seeds, controlling insect populations, etc.

    • Humans have domesticated chickens, turkeys, guineafowl, and more. Hunting and wildlife tourism also focus on species like pheasants and bustards.

  3. Conservation Concerns

    • Habitat loss, agriculture expansion, and overhunting threaten many terrestrial bird populations (e.g., ostriches, cassowaries, great bustards).

    • Species with limited ranges or migratory needs require international collaboration and protected areas for survival.

Through the above classification and introduction, your website users can have a preliminary understanding of the diverse distribution and evolution of the ecological-morphological group "land birds" in the modern bird system. If you need to further understand the morphological characteristics, ecological habits and conservation status of each species, it is recommended to refer to professional ornithology, regional field manuals and the latest molecular systematics research.

Waterfowl Wading birds Climbing birds Landfowl Bird of prey Songbird
Gallicolumba xanthonura

Gallicolumba xanthonura

Gallicolumba xanthonura，White-throated Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba xanthonura, and its foreign name is White-throated Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is...

Gallicolumba erythroptera

Gallicolumba erythroptera

Gallicolumba erythroptera，Polynesian Ground-dove，Society Islands Ground-dove，White-collared Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba erythroptera, Polynesian Ground-dove, Society Islands Ground-dove, White-collared Ground-dove, specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecologi...

Gallicolumba menagei

Gallicolumba menagei

Gallicolumba menagei，Sulu Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba menagei and its foreign name is Sulu Bleeding-heart.Two specimens of Tawi pigeon were collected in Sulu in 1891, but no definitive records have been recorded since. In 1995, several local findings were reported. They are believed to be so rare that they are listed...

Gallicolumba platenae

Gallicolumba platenae

Gallicolumba platenae，Mindoro Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba platenae and its foreign name is Mindoro Bleeding-heart.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Critically Endangered (CR).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is e...

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis

Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis，Santa Cruz Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis, and its foreign name is Santa Cruz Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyo...

Gallicolumba rufigula

Gallicolumba rufigula

Gallicolumba rufigula，Cinnamon Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba rufigula, and its foreign name is Cinnamon Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Gallicolumba jobiensis

Gallicolumba jobiensis

Gallicolumba jobiensis，White-bibbed Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba jobiensis, and its foreign name is White-bibbed Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibi...

Gallicolumba beccarii

Gallicolumba beccarii

Gallicolumba beccarii，Bronze Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba beccarii and its foreign name is Bronze Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Gallicolumba criniger

Gallicolumba criniger

Gallicolumba criniger，Mindanao Bleeding-heart

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba criniger, and its foreign name is Mindanao Bleeding-heart.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&#...

Gallicolumba kubaryi

Gallicolumba kubaryi

Gallicolumba kubaryi，Caroline Islands Ground-dove，Caroline Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba kubaryi, and its foreign names are Caroline Islands Ground-dove and Caroline Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining e...

Gallicolumba canifrons

Gallicolumba canifrons

Gallicolumba canifrons，Palau Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba canifrons, and its foreign name is Palau Ground Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&#...

Gallicolumba tristigmata

Gallicolumba tristigmata

Gallicolumba tristigmata，Sulawesi Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba tristigmata, Sulawesi Ground-dove, is quite docile. Specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibilit...

Gallicolumba luzonica

Gallicolumba luzonica

Gallicolumba luzonica，Luzon bleeding-heart（英文），Dolchstichtaube（德文），ヒムネバト（日文）

Landfowl LC

Features：The white chest is characterized by red spots

Luzon pigeon (scientific name: Gallicolumba luzonica) Luzon bleeding-heart (English), Dolchstichtaube (German), ヒムネバト (Japanese), there are 3 subspecies.The Luzon chicken dove is a very secretive and shy bird that spends most of its time on the forest floor. When approaching it, they can...

Gallicolumba hoedtii

Gallicolumba hoedtii

Gallicolumba hoedtii，Wetar Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Gallicolumba hoedtii, and its foreign name is Wetar Ground-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's re...

Gallicolumba rubescens

Gallicolumba rubescens

Gallicolumba rubescens，Marquesan Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba rubescens and Marquesan Ground-dove are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Gallicolumba stairi

Gallicolumba stairi

Gallicolumba stairi，Shy Ground-dove，Friendly Ground-dove，Tongan Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gallicolumba stairi, Shy ground-dove, Friendly ground-dove, Tongan Ground Dove, the specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological bal...

Streptopelia lugens

Streptopelia lugens

Streptopelia lugens，Dusky Turtle-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Streptopelia lugens, and its foreign name is Dusky Turtle-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Streptopelia bitorquata

Streptopelia bitorquata

Streptopelia bitorquata，Island Collared-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Javan turtle dove, known as Streptopelia bitorquata or Island Collared dove, forages on the ground and eats a large number of small seeds. Migratory birds wintering in northern Africa.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild...

Streptopelia semitorquata

Streptopelia semitorquata

Streptopelia semitorquata，Red-eyed Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name Streptopelia semitorquata, or Red-eyed Dove, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010. It is a treasured species.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's res...

Streptopelia vinacea

Streptopelia vinacea

Streptopelia vinacea

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name Streptopelia vinacea is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Streptopelia reichenowi

Streptopelia reichenowi

Streptopelia reichenowi，White-winged Collared-dove，White-winged Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific names Streptopelia reichenowi, White-winged Collared Dove, White-winged Dove are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's re...

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