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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 leucomela

Columba leucomela

Columba leucomela，White-headed Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The White-headed Pigeon is Columba leucomela or white-headed 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 responsib...

Columba vitiensis

Columba vitiensis

Columba vitiensis，White-throated Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba vitiensis, also known as White-throated Pigeon, is unknown.It is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Columba versicolor

Columba versicolor

Columba versicolor

Landfowl LC

Features：extinct

Columba versicolor, also known as the Ogasawara forest pigeon, is a pigeon unique to the Nakamishima and Fuku Islands of the Ogasawara Islands in Japan. There are only four specimens, collected between 1827 and 1889. They were eventually wiped out in the 19th century by deforestation, hunting, and p...

Columba janthina

Columba janthina

Columba janthina，Japanese Wood Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：It's a near-black wood pigeon

The Japanese Wood Pigeon (Columba janthina) has three subspecies.Black wood pigeons are resident birds. Sexually timid and unapproachable. It is a social bird that gathers in small groups of 20 or 30 birds. Due to environmental damage, the population is endangered, and only smaller groups or pairs o...

Columba palumboides

Columba palumboides

Columba palumboides，Andaman Wood-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The pigeon is Columba palumboides, and the foreign name is Andaman Wood-pigeon.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!...

Columba argentina

Columba argentina

Columba argentina，Silvery Wood-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The feathers are pale silver-gray, and the flight and tail feathers are black

Silvery Wood-pigeon, Columba argentina or silvery wood-pigeon, often lives with large groups of pigeons and even breeds in the same nesting areas. They start breeding around March or April and last a few months. They build their nests in the branches of trees and lay only one egg at a time, which is...

Columba torringtoni

Columba torringtoni

Columba torringtoni，Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba torringtoni and Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon 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!...

Columba elphinstonii

Columba elphinstonii

Columba elphinstonii，Nilgiri Wood-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The posterior pillow has a broad yellow collar with black scaly spots

Columba elphinstonii, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, single, in pairs, or in small groups. Sexual shyness. Wings flapped away as someone approached. Cry less, cry is a deep cry hu... hu… hu.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animal...

Columba pulchricollis

Columba pulchricollis

Columba pulchricollis，Ashy Wood Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The upper back is dark brown, with greenish-purple metallic luster, and the lower back is black to the tail

Columba pulchricollis (Columba pulchricollis) is a foreign name Ashy Wood Pigeon, no subspecies.Pigeons live alone, in pairs or in small groups of 10-30. Usually arboreal, timid and alert, often hiding in the oak-based broad-leaved forest, difficult to see. Nest in trees in the forest. The nest is s...

Columba albinucha

Columba albinucha

Columba albinucha，White-naped Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba albinucha, or White-naped Pigeon, 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!...

Columba hodgsonii

Columba hodgsonii

Columba hodgsonii，Speckled Wood Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The underwing feathers are marked by small white dots, and the lower thorax and upper abdomen are covered with pale pink markings

Columba hodgsonii, or Speckled Wood Pigeon, is not known.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!...

Columba pollenii

Columba pollenii

Columba pollenii，Comoro Olive-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The pigeon is Columba pollenii and Comoro Olive-pigeon.Listed in the World Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Columba thomensis

Columba thomensis

Columba thomensis，Maroon Pigeon，Sao Tome Olive-pigeon，Sao Tome Olive Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Sao Tome green Pigeon is known as Columba thomensis, Maroon Pigeon, Sao Tome Olive-pigeon, SAO tome Olive pigeon, the 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.Maint...

Columbasjostedti

Columbasjostedti

Columbasjostedti

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Cameroonian pigeon is Columbasjostedti, but its 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 responsibility!...

Columba arquatrix

Columba arquatrix

Columba arquatrix

Landfowl LC

Features：

African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix, the foreign name of the African Olive Pigeon, the specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Columba unicincta

Columba unicincta

Columba unicincta，Afep Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba unicincta, Afep Pigeon, 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!...

Columba junoniae

Columba junoniae

Columba junoniae，White-tailed Laurel Pigeon，Laurel Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba junoniae The foreign language is White-tailed Laurel Pigeon, Laurel Pigeon, the specific habit is unknown.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 ecolog...

Columba bollii

Columba bollii

Columba bollii，Dark-tailed Laurel Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Columba bollii, and its foreign name is Dark-tailed Laurel Pigeon.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!...

Columba trocaz

Columba trocaz

Columba trocaz，Trocaz Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Columba trocaz, or Trocaz Pigeon, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Columba oliviae

Columba oliviae

Columba oliviae，Somali Pigeon，Somali Stock Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The species is known as Columba oliviae, Somali Pigeon and Somali Stock Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Data Deficiency (DD).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's respons...

Columbaarquatrix

Columbaarquatrix

Columbaarquatrix

Landfowl LC

Features：

The yellow-eyed pigeon is Columbaarquatrix, 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!...

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