Home>>All Animals>>Birds>>Landfowl

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
Pternistis griseostriatus

Pternistis griseostriatus

Pternistis griseostriatus,Grey-striped Francolin

Features:The forehead and crown are black, the nape chestnut brown, and the ear feathers gray

The Grey-striped Francolin (Pternistis griseostriatus) has no subspecies.The grey partridge likes to sing from the edge of a boulder or cliff in its territory. Usually alone. It consists of shoots, seeds, small beans, cassava, and large fruits of plants, as well as insects (including termites) and i...

Pternistis erckelii

Pternistis erckelii

Pternistis erckelii,Erckel's Francolin

Features:The forehead and side of the crown are black, the crown and nape chestnut brown, and the beak and legs are grayish black

Brown top colored partridge (scientific name: Pternistis erckelii) foreign name Erckel' s Francolin, no subspecies.Brown-topped partridges like to sing from the edge of boulders or cliffs in their territory. Usually alone. It feeds on plant bulbs and bulbs, seeds, berries and shoots, as well as...

Pternistis clappertoni

Pternistis clappertoni

Pternistis clappertoni,Clapperton's Francolin

Features:The eye sockets are red, the forehead and crown are black, and there are long white eyebrows

The red-orbital colored Partridge (scientific name: Pternistis clappertoni) foreign name Clapperton' s Francolin, there are 6 subspecies.Partridges love to sing, and their vocalizations are highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Usually alone. It feeds on seeds and berries of plants, s...

Pternistis castaneicollis

Pternistis castaneicollis

Pternistis castaneicollis,Chestnut-naped Francolin

Features:The forehead is black and the belly is milky white, similar to the Kenyan colored partridge

Chestnut-naped Francolin (Pternistis castaneicollis) has three subspecies.The chestnut pillow-colored partridge primarily calls early in the morning and late in the evening, especially in males, in a loud "kawar-kawar" and "kek kek kek" sound, thought to be a duet between partner...

Pternistis capensis

Pternistis capensis

Pternistis capensis,Cape Francolin

Features:It is generally black with distinctive white stripes and swirly feathers

South African colored partridge (Pternistis capensis) foreign name Cape Francolin, no subspecies.South African coloured partridges call mainly in the early morning and late evening, especially in males, as a loud clamor or cluck. It feeds on plant bulbs and bulbs, seeds, berries and shoots, as well...

Pternistis camerunensis

Pternistis camerunensis

Pternistis camerunensis,Cameroon Francolin

Features:The beak and legs are red

The camerunensis species is Cameroon Francolin (Pternistis camerunensis), without subspecies.Cameroonian colored partridge feeds mainly on berries, grass seeds and insects. Flying into a tree or running around in panic to avoid danger instead of flying.The Cameroonian colored partridge is endangered...

Pternistis bicalcaratus

Pternistis bicalcaratus

Pternistis bicalcaratus,Double-spurred Francolin

Features:The forehead has black striped feathers, with broad white brow lines and radiating spots below the neck

The Double-spurred Francolin (Pternistis bicalcaratus) has three subspecies.The partridge is an opportunist living in west Africa. Its diet is closely related to the habitat environment and seasonal changes. It mainly eats dry rhizoids and tubers, and also eats plant seeds and insects. When in dange...

Pternistis atrifrons

Pternistis atrifrons

Pternistis atrifrons,Black-fronted Francolin

Features:The throat feathers have black and white radial plumage

The Black-fronted colored partridge (Pternistis atrifrons) is known as black-fronted Francolin and has no subspecies.The black-fronted partridge feeds on plant seeds, as well as insects such as termites (isoptera). A bird that can occasionally fly short distances. When in danger, he prefers running...

Pternistis ahantensis

Pternistis ahantensis

Pternistis ahantensis,Ahanta Francolin

Features:The chest and abdomen feathers are black and white, and the cheeks are bare and hairless

The brown top coloured partridge (Pternistis ahantensis) is known as Ahanta Francolin and has two subspecies.Brown-topped partridges are flyers and occasionally can fly short distances. Live in pairs or small groups. They do not fly unless they are in danger, but if they feel in danger, most of the...

Pternistis afer

Pternistis afer

Pternistis afer,Red-necked Francolin

Features:Has a distinctive scarlet throat and bare facial skin red

The red-throated colored partridge (Pternistis afer) is known as Red-necked Francolin and has seven subspecies. A bird that can occasionally fly short distances. Omnivorous. Feeds on insects, plant matter and seeds. They source most of their food by digging. This species is strictly monogamous, main...

Pternistis adspersus

Pternistis adspersus

Pternistis adspersus,Red-billed Francolin

Features:There are quite prominent and very sharp yellow circles under the eyes

The Red-billed Francolin (Pternistis adspersus) has two subspecies. It's a bird. It can occasionally fly short distances. Omnivorous. Feeds on insects, plant matter and seeds. They source most of their food by digging. This species is strictly monogamous, maintaining mating for life.Listed on th...

Polyplectron schleiermacheri

Polyplectron schleiermacheri

Polyplectron schleiermacheri,Bornean Peacock-pheasant

Features:

The Bornean Peacock pheasant (Latin name: Polyplectron schleiermacheri) is a rare and little-known species of the genus Polyplectron. Specific habits are unknown.Due to continued habitat loss, low numbers and limited distribution, the Bornean peacock pheasant is listed as endangered by the Internati...

Polyplectron napoleonis

Polyplectron napoleonis

Polyplectron napoleonis,Palawan Peacock-pheasant

Features:It is the most peacock-like pheasant of the genus.

Polyplectron napoleonis (formerly Polyplectron emphanum), also known as the Palawan peacock pheasant, is a medium sized pheasant. Specific habits are unknown.Due to continued habitat loss, low numbers and limited distribution, as well as hunting, the Barawang peacock is classified as vulnerable by t...

Polyplectron malacense

Polyplectron malacense

Polyplectron malacense,Malay Peacock-pheasant

Features:The body is brown with black spots, and the crest is long and dark blue-green

The Malay Peacock pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) is a medium sized pheasant with no subspecies.Malay peacock pheasants often live alone or in pairs, mostly on the wet ground where the forest is dense and the vegetation under the forest is more developed, and the activities are more frequent in th...

Polyplectron inopinatum

Polyplectron inopinatum

Polyplectron inopinatum,Mountain Peacock Pheasant

Features:

Polyplectron inopinatum, Mountain Peacock Pheasant often live alone or in pairs, mostly on the wet ground with dense forests and well-developed understory vegetation, with frequent activities in the morning and afternoon. Sex is alert and timid. Male birds are particularly cautious when they are act...

Polyplectron germaini

Polyplectron germaini

Polyplectron germaini,Germain's Peacock-pheasant

Features:The upper body and half of the tail feathers have large purple-blue eye spots

Polyplectron germaini is a medium sized pheasant. Endemic to Indochina Peninsula. The pheasant was named after the French colonial surgeon Louis Rodolphe Germain. According to mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA tests, it was confirmed that the eye spotted peacock pheasant belonged to the same clade a...

Polyplectron chalcurum

Polyplectron chalcurum

Polyplectron chalcurum,Bronze-tailed Peacock Pheasant

Features:

Polyplectron chalcurum, foreign name Bronze-tailed Peacock Pheasant, often live alone or in pairs, mostly in dense forests, underforest vegetation more developed damp ground, in the morning and afternoon activities more frequent. Sex is alert and timid. Male birds are particularly cautious when they...

Phasianus versicolor

Phasianus versicolor

Phasianus versicolor,Green Pheasant

Features:It is the national bird of Japan

The Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) is a species endemic to Japan, and its species name "versicolor" means "color-changing" or "color-diverse". The Green pheasant was once listed as a subspecies of pheasant (Phasianus colchicus versicolor) by ornithologists, and w...

Perdix perdix

Perdix perdix

Perdix perdix,Grey Partridge

Features:It is a medium sized grayish brown quail

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) is known as Grey Partridge and has eight subspecies.Gray partridge usually flocks except during the breeding season. Either a family group or a larger group consisting of a family group. They usually live in groups of 5 to 15 animals. The male quack, ki-errr-ik, ki-err...

Tibetan Partridge

Tibetan Partridge

Tibetan Partridge,Perdix hodgsoniae

Features:It has a striking white brow line and a characteristic maroon collar, with black spots on the side of the face under the eyes

Alpine Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) is a Tibetan Partridge with four subspecies.Highland partridge is a common resident bird. In addition to the breeding period, it is usually active in groups of 10-15 birds. Up to more than 30, do not like to fly, good at running, running quickly on the ground and...

Perdix dauurica

Perdix dauurica

Perdix dauurica,Daurian Partridge

Features:The face, middle throat and abdomen of the male bird are orange, with a black "U" shaped patch in the middle abdomen

Partridge (Perdix dauurica) is known as Daurian Partridge and has three subspecies.Partridge usually flocks except during the breeding season. Especially in autumn and winter, there are often large groups of 15-25, or even as many as 50 animals. At the end of winter, the population gradually becomes...