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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
Ptilinopus pulchellus

Ptilinopus pulchellus

Ptilinopus pulchellus，Beautiful Fruit-dove，Beautiful Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus pulchellus, foreign names are Beautiful fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit 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 ecolo...

Ptilinopus alligator

Ptilinopus alligator

Ptilinopus alligator，Black-banded Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus alligator, foreign name is Black-banded 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...

Ptilinopus arcanus

Ptilinopus arcanus

Ptilinopus arcanus，Negros Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus arcanus and its foreign name is Negros Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Critically Endangered (CR).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&...

Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Ptilinopus porphyraceus，Purple-capped Fruit-dove，Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove，Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus porphyraceus, Purple-capped Fruit-dove, Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove, Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove, the specific habit is unknown. Feed on fruits, seeds, insects, etc.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Protect wild animals and e...

Ptilinopus granulifrons

Ptilinopus granulifrons

Ptilinopus granulifrons，Carunculated Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus granulifrons, and its foreign name is Carunculated Fruit-dove.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...

Ptilinopus insolitus

Ptilinopus insolitus

Ptilinopus insolitus，Knob-billed Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus insolitus and its foreign name is Knob-billed Fruit-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!...

Ptilinopus iozonus

Ptilinopus iozonus

Ptilinopus iozonus，Orange-bellied Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus iozonus, and its foreign name is Orange-bellied Fruit-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 responsibilit...

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons，Orange-fronted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus aurantiifrons, or Orange-fronted Fruit-dove. It lives in small groups in lowland rainforests.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 ecologi...

Ptilinopus superbus

Ptilinopus superbus

Ptilinopus superbus，Superb Fruit-dove，Purple-crowned Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Magnificent Fruit dove scientific name Ptilinopus superbus, foreign name Superb Fruit-dove, Purple-crowned 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.Maintain...

Ptilinopus perousii

Ptilinopus perousii

Ptilinopus perousii，Many-coloured Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus perousii and Many-coloured Fruit 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!...

Ptilinopus rarotongensis

Ptilinopus rarotongensis

Ptilinopus rarotongensis，Cook Islands Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus rarotongensis, and its foreign name is Cook Islands Fruit-dove.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 everyon...

Ptilinopus eugeniae

Ptilinopus eugeniae

Ptilinopus eugeniae，White-headed Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus eugeniae and its foreign name is White-headed Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone...

Ptilinopus merrilli

Ptilinopus merrilli

Ptilinopus merrilli，Cream-bellied Fruit-dove，Cream-breasted Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus merrilli, and its foreign names are Cream-bellied fruit-dove and Cream-breasted Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintain...

Ptilinopus ornatus

Ptilinopus ornatus

Ptilinopus ornatus，Ornate Fruit-dove，Ornate Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus ornatus, its foreign name is Ornate fruit-dove, Ornate Fruit Dove, and its 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 ecologic...

Ptilinopus jambu

Ptilinopus jambu

Ptilinopus jambu，Jambu Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus jambu, and its foreign name is Jambu Fruit-dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's re...

Ptilinopus melanospila

Ptilinopus melanospila

Ptilinopus melanospila，Black-napped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus melanospila, and its foreign name is Black-napped Fruit Dove.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus purpuratus

Ptilinopus purpuratus

Ptilinopus purpuratus，Grey-green Fruit-dove，Grey-green Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus purpuratus, and its foreign names are Grey-green fruit-dove and Grey-green Fruit 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 e...

Ptilinopus perlatus

Ptilinopus perlatus

Ptilinopus perlatus，Pink-spotted Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus perlatus, and its foreign name is Pink-spotted Fruit 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...

Ptilinopus insularis

Ptilinopus insularis

Ptilinopus insularis，Henderson Fruit-dove，Henderson Island Fruit-dove，Scarlet-capped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus insularis, and its foreign names are Henderson Fruit-dove, Henderson Island fruit-Dove, and Scarlet-capped Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Protect wild animals and elimin...

Ramphiculus subgularis

Ramphiculus subgularis

Ramphiculus subgularis，Banggai Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：The body is relatively fat, the head is slightly smaller, the neck is thick and short, and the feathers are soft and dense

Banggai Fruit Dove (scientific name: Ramphiculus subgularis), no subspecies.Cardoves are resident birds, often solitary, rarely clustered. Roost in a tree, good at flying, always stop for a moment before taking off when in danger. The flight is fast and powerful. It is often active in the canopy, es...

Ptilinopus monacha

Ptilinopus monacha

Ptilinopus monacha，Blue-capped Fruit-dove，Blue-capped Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus monacha, and its foreign names are Blue-capped fruit-dove and Blue-capped Fruit Dove.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ec...

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