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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 oenas

Columba oenas

Columba oenas，Stock Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The plumage is dark gray, with two indistinct black stripes on the wings

Columba oenas (Stock Dove) has two subspecies.European pigeons are resident birds. It's usually an open area to live in. Even tree nesting does not favor heavily wooded areas, and shores with holes in the cliffs are common. Flying fast, two wings inciting fast, often can hear the vibration of th...

Columba albitorques

Columba albitorques

Columba albitorques，White-collared Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The White collar Pigeon is Columba albitorques, and the foreign name is white-collared 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 responsibili...

Columba guinea

Columba guinea

Columba guinea，Speckled Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：Redness around eyes

The name is Columba guinea, Speckled Pigeon, the specific habit is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Columba leuconota

Columba leuconota

Columba leuconota，Snow Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：White around the eyes, white at the lower back of the neck, forming a prominent white collar

The Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconota) has two subspecies.Snow pigeons are resident birds. Often move in groups. It mainly feeds on plant foods such as grass seeds, wild leguminous seeds and berries. Also eat highland barley, rapeseed, peas, green beans, corn and other crops.Snow pigeons breed from Apr...

Columba rupestris

Columba rupestris

Columba rupestris，Hill Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The rock pigeon has white subterminal spots on its tail feathers

The rock Pigeon (Columba rupestris) is known as Hill Pigeon and has two subspecies.Rock pigeons often travel in groups. They feed in small groups in the valleys and plains. Sometimes they form large groups of nearly 100 animals. Sex is more docile. The call is "goo goo", similar to that of...

Columba livia

Columba livia

Columba livia，Rock Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：There are metallic green and purple flashes on the lower neck and upper chest

The original Pigeon (Columba livia) is known as Rock Pigeon and has nine subspecies.The original pigeon is a resident bird. Often move in groups, a small number of a group, dozens or even hundreds of people gathered to live, sometimes living in villages, sometimes stopping in ruins, but mostly aroun...

Pterocles burchelli

Pterocles burchelli

Pterocles burchelli，Variegated Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Variegated Sandgrouse is Pterocles burchelli and variegated sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles bicinctus

Pterocles bicinctus

Pterocles bicinctus，Double-banded Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles bicinctus, and its foreign name is Double-banded Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles quadricinctus

Pterocles quadricinctus

Pterocles quadricinctus，Four-banded Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles quadricinctus, and its foreign name is Four-banded Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

terocles indicus

terocles indicus

terocles indicus，Painted Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is terocles indicus, and its foreign name is Painted Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles lichtensteinii

Pterocles lichtensteinii

Pterocles lichtensteinii，Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles lichtensteinii, and its foreign name is Lichtenstein' s Sandgrouse, whose specific habits are unknown.International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Protection Level: No Threat (LC).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecologic...

Pterocles personatus

Pterocles personatus

Pterocles personatus，Madagascar Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles personatus and its foreign name is Madagascar Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles coronatus

Pterocles coronatus

Pterocles coronatus，Crowned Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles coronatus and its foreign name is Crowned Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Yellow-throated

Yellow-throated

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Yellow-throated Sandgrouse is Pterocles gutturalis and yellow-throated sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles senegallus

Pterocles senegallus

Pterocles senegallus，Spotted Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

斑沙鸡学名Pterocles senegallus，外文名Spotted Sandgrouse，具体习性不详。保护野生动物，杜绝野味。维护生态平衡，人人有责！...

Pterocles exustus

Pterocles exustus

Pterocles exustus

Landfowl LC

Features：

Pterocles exustus (Pterocles exustus) is a medium-sized bird with a beak similar to that of a domestic chicken. Specific habits are unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles namaqua

Pterocles namaqua

Pterocles namaqua，Namaqua Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Pterocles namaqua and its foreign name is Namaqua Sandgrouse.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Pterocles alchata

Pterocles alchata

Pterocles alchata

Landfowl LC

Features：

Pterocles alchata, or Pterocles alchata, lives in flat, dry areas, and the delicate markings on its feathers protect it from sand, pebbles and sparse vegetation. Swarm activity, sometimes in small, loose colonies; Running on short legs to forage for seeds, buds and leaves, the male birds often fly f...

Syrrhaptes tibetanus

Syrrhaptes tibetanus

Syrrhaptes tibetanus

Landfowl LC

Features：The body feathers are mainly yellow with yellow throat and head

Syrrhaptes tibetanus (Syrrhaptes tibetanus) has no subspecies.Tibetan sandgrouse often move in small groups, sometimes hundreds of large groups. It is found near rocky river valleys, streams and lakes. Sexually bold, not afraid of people, does not fly far when shot at, often the whole group is hunte...

Syrrhaptes paradoxus

Syrrhaptes paradoxus

Syrrhaptes paradoxus，Pallas's Sandgrouse

Landfowl LC

Features：About the size of a pigeon, the whole body is mostly sandy gray, and the back is densely covered with black stripes

Feather-legged sandfowl (Syrrhaptes paradoxus) Foreign name Pallas' s Sandgrouse, no subspecies.When a sandgrouse walks, its body swings from side to side. Flying in a wave shape forward, usually close to the ground at low altitude, and flying very fast, two wings flap very fast, and issue...

Numida meleagris

Numida meleagris

Numida meleagris，Helmeted Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：A horn shaped bony helmet with a horny protruding head

The Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) has nine subspecies.Helmeted beaded chickens are land birds and prefer to live in groups, forming groups of about 25 individuals outside of the breeding season. When you panic, you run around instead of flying away. However, like most short-winged and broad...

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