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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
Guttera verreauxi

Guttera verreauxi

Guttera verreauxi，Western Crested Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：The bare skin on the head and neck is grayish-blue, with large red spots around the eyes and on the forehead and throat

Western Crested Guineafowl (Guttera verreauxi), no subspecies.The West African crested chicken is omnivorous. Plant foods include seeds, fruits, and berries of the rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Compositaceae, malvaceae, and legumes. They also eat insects and invertebrates.Listed on the International Uni...

Guttera pucherani

Guttera pucherani

Guttera pucherani，Eastern Crested Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Eastern Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani) has three subspecies.East African crested chicken omnivorous. Plant foods include seeds, fruits, and berries of the rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Compositaceae, malvaceae, and legumes. They also eat insects and invertebrates.Listed on the International...

Guttera plumifera

Guttera plumifera

Guttera plumifera，Plumed Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：There is a straighter (non-curly) and higher crest, as well as relatively long brambles on either side of the beak of the species

The Central African crested Guineafowl (Guttera plumifera) is known as the Plumed Guineafowl and has two subspecies.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Not Threatened (LC).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maint...

Guttera edouardi

Guttera edouardi

Guttera edouardi，Southern Crested Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：It has a distinctive black top, crimped feathers forming a crest

The Guttera edouardi, also known as the Southern Crested Guineafowl, was once a subspecies of the East African Crested Guineafowl before becoming a separate species in 2014. In pairs or small groups, eat fruits, berries, seeds and invertebrates. Often follows monkeys, pecking at food that primates d...

Agelastes niger

Agelastes niger

Agelastes niger，Black Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：The bare head is pale yellow, and the neck shows pink skin

The Black Guineafowl (scientific name: Agelastes niger) has no subspecies.The chicken's diet is mainly insect-based, including beetles, ants and termites, and other invertebrates such as millipedes and small frogs. As well as plant seeds, berries and branches. The breeding habits of this species...

Agelastes meleagrides

Agelastes meleagrides

Agelastes meleagrides，White-breasted Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：It's the rarest bird in West Africa

The White-breasted Guineafowl, known as the Agelastes meleagrides or White-breasted Guineafowl, usually lives in small groups of about 15 to 20 birds that search for food together on the rainforest floor. If disturbed, group members usually get together, call out, and disperse into the forest if the...

Acryllium vulturinum

Acryllium vulturinum

Acryllium vulturinum，Vulturine Guineafowl

Landfowl LC

Features：It is one of the largest species in the family, named for its head and neck like a vulture

Vulturine Guineafowl (scientific name: Acryllium vulturinum), no subspecies.Vulture chicken live in clusters, each group of about 15-30, good at flying and roost in trees, flying ability is very strong, but the long-term land life has changed its life habits, often run away in all directions when in...

Xenoperdix udzungwensis

Xenoperdix udzungwensis

Xenoperdix udzungwensis，Udzungwa Forest-partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：The throat and brow lines are orange-red, the beak is bright pink, and the legs are vivid yellow

Xenoperdix udzungwensis is Udzungwa Forest-partridge, no subspecies. Specific habits are unknown.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Endangered (EN).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balan...

Tetraophasis caucasicus

Tetraophasis caucasicus

Tetraophasis caucasicus，Caucasian Snowcock

Landfowl LC

Features：

Tetraophasis caucasicus, Caucasian Snowcock, likes to form groups, usually in small groups of 3-5 birds. In areas with high density, large groups of 10-20 and even up to 100 individuals can be seen. Active during the day, from dawn until dusk, often walking up the mountainside to forage until the to...

Tetraophasis caspius

Tetraophasis caspius

Tetraophasis caspius，Caspian Snowcock

Landfowl LC

Features：

Tetraophasis caspius, Caspian Snowcock, eats seeds and plants. During the non-breeding season, they form small colonies. The nest is built on the ground, laying 6-9 eggs at a time, which are green and hatched by the female.Listed in Appendix I, Appendix II and Appendix III of the Convention on Inter...

Syrmaticus soemmerringii

Syrmaticus soemmerringii

Syrmaticus soemmerringii

Landfowl LC

Features：

The pheasant soemmerringii has five subspecies. It feeds on insects, roots, leaves and grains.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Synoicus ypsilophorus

Synoicus ypsilophorus

Synoicus ypsilophorus，Brown Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Synoicus ypsilophorus (Brown Quail) has 10 subspecies. It is mainly active at dawn and dusk, and the call is loud. Feeds on seeds and young grasses.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Not Threatened (LC).Protect wild anima...

Synoicus chinensis

Synoicus chinensis

Synoicus chinensis

Landfowl LC

Features：The male bird has a very bright plumage, with a large black spot in the center of the throat

Synoicus chinensis has 10 subspecies, including Blue-breasted Quail, King Quail, and Asian Blue Quail.Blue-breasted quails are resident or summer migrants. In the morning and evening, it appears in the open to forage for grains, grass seeds, etc., and also eats insects, spiders, and termites. Fly fa...

Synoicus adansonii

Synoicus adansonii

Synoicus adansonii，African Blue Quail，Blue Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

African blue-breasted Quail (Synoicus adansonii) : African Blue Quail, Blue quail, no subspecies. It was once a subspecies of the blue-breasted quail, but was classified as a separate species in 2014.African blue chest quail in the morning and night in the open for grain, grass seeds, etc., also eat...

Scleroptila whytei

Scleroptila whytei

Scleroptila whytei，Whyte's Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：A medium tan ringnecked partridge

White ring neck Partridge (scientific name: Scleroptila whytei) foreign name Whyte' s Francolin, no subspecies.White-necked partridges are land birds that usually gather in pairs or family groups. Flies fast when in danger, but usually runs around in panic. It feeds mainly on the roots and bulbs...

Scleroptila streptophora

Scleroptila streptophora

Scleroptila streptophora，Ring-necked Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：The back of the body is dark brown, with black flanks and distinct white lines extending to the back of the neck

The ringnecked Partridge (Scleroptila streptophora) is Ring-necked Francolin, no subspecies.It gathers in small groups and flies very fast, but usually runs to cover when frightened. It feeds mainly on insects and plant seeds, and enters agricultural fields where it feeds on weeds, crops, and insect...

Scleroptila shelleyi

Scleroptila shelleyi

Scleroptila shelleyi，Shelley's Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：The lower part of the body has a square pattern of mixed black and white, especially on the stomach

Xie's Partridge (scientific name: Scleroptila shelleyi) foreign name Shelley' S. Francolin, there are 3 subspecies.The Partridge is commonly found in various grasslands and woodlands in Africa. Open wooded mountain and savannah. Land birds, when in danger, fly quickly, but usually run away i...

Scleroptila psilolaema

Scleroptila psilolaema

Scleroptila psilolaema，Moorland Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Highland ringnecked Partridge (Scleroptila psilolaema) is Moorland Francolin, no subspecies.Highland ringnecked partridges are usually grouped in pairs or family groups. It is a particularly timid and cautious bird, preferring to forage near bushes rather than in the open. If it sees a dangerous...

Scleroptila levaillantii

Scleroptila levaillantii

Scleroptila levaillantii，Red-winged Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：The chest has extensive black and white spots

The Red-winged Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantii) has three subspecies.The red-winged ringnecked partridge is a land bird and is a timid and extremely cautious bird. Despite prowling for food at certain times of the day, they are rarely observed and are only known to be active from their calls. Th...

Scleroptila gutturalis

Scleroptila gutturalis

Scleroptila gutturalis，Orange River Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：The adult bird has colored stripes on both sides of the head and neck, and the cloth has small black and white spots

The Orange River Partridge (Scleroptila gutturalis) is known as Orange River Francolin and has four subspecies.The Orange River ringnecked partridge is a land bird and can live in colonies of up to 10-12 individuals. Flies fast when in danger, but usually runs around in panic. Forage for insects and...

Scleroptila finschi

Scleroptila finschi

Scleroptila finschi，Finsch's Francolin

Landfowl LC

Features：The upper body is mainly gray-brown with some reddish-brown streaks

Partridge finschi (scientific name: Scleroptila finschi) foreign name Finsch' s Francolin, no subspecies.The partridge is a land bird that flies quickly when in danger, but usually runs away in panic. Scour the ground for insects and plant seeds, feeding on weeds, roots, seeds, young leaves and...

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