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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
Columba goodsoni

Columba goodsoni

Columba goodsoni，Dusky Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Pigeon is known as Columba goodsoni and Dusky Pigeon, but its behavior 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!...

Geotrygon carrikeri

Geotrygon carrikeri

Geotrygon carrikeri，Tuxtla Quail-dove，Veracruz Quail-Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Geotrygon carrikeri, Tuxtla Quail-dove, Veracruz Quail-Dove, was once considered a subspecies of the central American purple quail-dove. The species' habitat is gradually disappearing. It is now endangered.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of B...

Geotrygon frenata

Geotrygon frenata

Geotrygon frenata，White-throated Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the White throated Quail dove is Geotrygon frenata, and its foreign name is White throated Quail dove. The specific habits are unknown.Listed in the IUCN ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild game.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone'...

Geotrygon lawrencii

Geotrygon lawrencii

Geotrygon lawrencii，Purplish-backed Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Geotrygon lawrencii and Purplish-backed Quail-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 responsibility!...

Geotrygon carrikery

Geotrygon carrikery

Geotrygon carrikery，Geotrygon carrikeri，Veracruz Quail-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Geotrygon carrikery, and its foreign names are Geotrygon carrikeri and Veracruz Quail-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 b...

Spilopelia chinensis

Spilopelia chinensis

Spilopelia chinensis, Tridges, Middle spotted, floral dove, floral necked Dove, Pearl dove, spotted necked Dove, bead necked pigeon, Spilopelia chinensis,

Landfowl LC

Features：There is a large black collar on the back of the neck, which is covered with small white or yellow-white beaded spots

There are five subspecies of the pearl necked turtle dove (Spilopelia chinensis).The pearl-necked turtle dove is a resident bird. They often live in small groups and sometimes mingle with other turtledoves. They often live in twos and threes on adjacent branches. The habitat is relatively fixed, if...

Streptopelia orientalis

Streptopelia orientalis

Streptopelia orientalis, Oriental Turtle-dove, Golden back turtle, Monoceros dove, pheasant dove, Monoceros, Flower wing, Streptopelia orientalis, Oriental Turtle-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：On both sides of the neck base, there is a black plume with blue-gray margin, forming a prominent black-gray neck spot

The scientific name Streptopelia orientalis, the foreign name Oriental Turtle-dove, has 6 subspecies.Mountain turtle doves often live in pairs or small groups, sometimes in pairs to perch on trees, or in pairs to fly and feed together. If the female bird is injured, the male bird flies back to the o...

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Streptopelia tranquebarica, Collared Turtle Dove, Red Turtle Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The chin and upper part of the throat are white or bluish-grey, and the nape has a black collar that spans the base of the nape

The Red Turtle Dove (Oenopopelia tranquebarica) has two subspecies: Collared Turtle Dove and Red Turtle Dove.The turtle dove mainly feeds on berries, seeds and fruits of plants, but also eats rice, corn, buckwheat, wheat, sorghum, rapeseed and other crop seeds, and sometimes eats termites, pupae and...

Macropygia tenuirostris

Macropygia tenuirostris

Macropygia tenuirostris，Philippine Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Philippine Cuckoo dove is Macropygia tenuirostris and Philippine cuckoo-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.It is listed in the second level of the List of China's National Key Protected Wildlife.Protect wild animals and el...

Macropygia rufipennis

Macropygia rufipennis

Macropygia rufipennis，Andaman Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia rufipennis and Andaman Cuckoo-dove are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animals.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsi...

Macropygia phasianella

Macropygia phasianella

Macropygia phasianella

Landfowl LC

Features：

Cuckoo doves (Macropygia phasianella) usually live in large groups. Take time to move, always stop for a moment before taking off when in danger. The cry was muffled. It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds and buds of plants.The breeding period is from April to July. They often nest in pairs. They usually...

Macropygia nigrirostris

Macropygia nigrirostris

Macropygia nigrirostris，Black-billed Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia nigrirostris, Black-billed Cuckoo-dove, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in the state second class protected animalsProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&...

Macropygia magna

Macropygia magna

Macropygia magna，Dusky Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia magna and Dusky Cuckoo-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 responsibility!...

Macropygia mackinlayi

Macropygia mackinlayi

Macropygia mackinlayi，Mackinlay's Cuckoo-dove，Spot-breasted Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia mackinlayi, Mackinlay' s Cuckoo-dove, Spot-breasted Cuckoo-dove, the specific habit 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...

Macropygia emiliana

Macropygia emiliana

Macropygia emiliana，Ruddy Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Macropygia emiliana and Ruddy Cuckoo-dove feed on fruits, seeds and buds.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!...

Macropygia amboinensis

Macropygia amboinensis

Macropygia amboinensis，Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The back and tail are covered with black or brown markings

Macropygia amboinensis has 10 subspecies of Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove. It is a large brown cuckoo with a long tail. Red chest cuckoo doves and brown cuckoo bird used to be the same species, the name for "cuckoo bird", in 2014 as a subspecies of Macropygiaamboinensisphasianella independenc...

Columbina passerina

Columbina passerina

Columbina passerina，Common Ground-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Columbina passerina, and its foreign name is Common 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!...

Columbina squammata

Columbina squammata

Columbina squammata，Scaled Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Columbina squammata, and its foreign name is Scaled 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!...

Columbina cruziana

Columbina cruziana

Columbina cruziana，Croaking Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columbina cruziana and Croaking Ground 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 responsibility!...

Columbina cyanopis

Columbina cyanopis

Columbina cyanopis，Blue-eyed Ground Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：It is one of the rarest birds in the world and a rare species in Brazil

The Blue-eyed Ground Dove, Columbina cyanopis or Blue-eyed ground dove, is endemic to Brazil. No individual sightings of this bird have been recorded in the wild since 1941, so it is considered probably extinct. However, in 2016, a miraculous 12 blue-eyed ground doves were found in a small area of t...

Columbina inca

Columbina inca

Columbina inca，Scardafella inca

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Incan ground dove's scientific name is Columbina inca and its foreign name is Scardafella inca.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 res...

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