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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
Lophura diardi

Lophura diardi

Lophura diardi,Siamese fireback

Features:The crests are clustered like peacock feathers, small at the front and larger at the end

Siamese fireback (Lophura diardi) is a medium pheasant.Thai pheasants usually live alone or in small groups of three to six individuals. In winter, there are sometimes as many as 16-17 clusters. Especially in the early morning or evening the most active, poor activity at noon, night more perches in...

Lophura bulweri

Lophura bulweri

Lophura bulweri,Bulwer’s Pheasant

Features:With a strange face of sapphire blue

Lophura bulweri, also known as Bulwer's Pheasant, is a pheasant native to Borneo Island.A small flock of three to six individuals, usually alone or in pairs. In winter, there are sometimes as many as 16-17 clusters. Especially in the early morning or evening the most active, poor activity at noo...

Snow Partridge

Snow Partridge

Snow Partridge,Lerwa lerwa

Features:The body feathers are mostly black and white, or black and brown mixed stripes

Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa) has three subspecies.Snow quails are good at walking and gliding, and often slide from one hill to another when they encounter enemies. As he walked on the ground he seemed to waddle, to stagger, to be ridiculously awkward. Their feather color is consistent with the surr...

Haematortyx sanguiniceps

Haematortyx sanguiniceps

Haematortyx sanguiniceps,Crimson-headed Partridge

Features:

The red-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps) feeds on hard seeds. Usually live alone or in pairs.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.Maintaining ecolo...

Gallus varius

Gallus varius

Gallus varius,Green Junglefowl

Features:The top of the head is mainly light blue, turning purple at the peak

The Green fowl (Gallus varius) is a foreign name, Green Junglefowl, without subspecies.Green roosters live not far from the coast and valley of the sea, rice fields and the surrounding dry rocky jungle. Standing in the bush all day, leaving only in the morning and at night. In pairs or small groups...

Gallus sonneratii

Gallus sonneratii

Gallus sonneratii,Grey Junglefowl

Features:The comb is slightly dented and deep red in color, and the plumage is beautifully streaked with yellow and black

The Grey fowl (Gallus sonneratii) is known as Grey Junglefowl and has no subspecies.Grey roosters, like many pheasants in the tropics, forage for food only in the morning and evening. Hiding in the woods during the hottest hours. On cloudy days, however, activities are held throughout the day. The b...

Gallus lafayetii

Gallus lafayetii

Gallus lafayetii,Ceylon Junglefowl

Features:The male bird is large, the body feathers are gorgeous and metallic, and the female bird is small and the body color is simple

The black-tailed fowl (Gallus lafayetii) is Ceylon Junglefowl, no subspecies.The black-tailed pheasant is a species of pheasant, but is most similar in appearance to the grey pheasant and pheasant. The black-tailed pheasant, like the green pheasant, is an island species, evolving alongside predators...

Galloperdix spadicea

Galloperdix spadicea

Galloperdix spadicea,Red Spurfowl

Features:

Galloperdix spadicea, also known as Red Spurfowl, is a timid bird that moves close to the tree canopy. Often in pairs, they search for food around streams or on the edge of cliffs in dry forests. In a dangerous situation, he will pull his legs close to his neck and even jump from rock to rock on a h...

Galloperdix lunulata

Galloperdix lunulata

Galloperdix lunulata,Painted Spurfowl

Features:Dimorphic species endemic to the Indian subcontinent

Galloperdix lunulata: Painted Spurfowl, no subspecies.Painted quails are timid birds that move close to the tree canopy. Often in pairs, they search for food around streams or on the edge of cliffs in dry forests. In a dangerous situation, he will pull his legs close to his neck and even jump from r...

Galloperdix bicalcarata

Galloperdix bicalcarata

Galloperdix bicalcarata,Ceylon Spurfowl

Features:

The Sri Lankan Galloperdix bicalcarata, also known as Ceylon Spurfowl, is a timid bird that moves close to the canopy. Often in pairs, they search for food around streams or on the edge of cliffs in dry forests. In a dangerous situation, he will pull his legs close to his neck and even jump from roc...

Francolinus pondicerianus

Francolinus pondicerianus

Francolinus pondicerianus,Gray Francolin

Features:

The grey partridge, Francolinus pondicerianus or Gray Francolin, likes to travel alone or in pairs, and is good at forming flocks like other chickens. They fly very fast, often in a straight line. They are extremely vigilant and always hide in grass or bushes, making them extremely difficult to spot...

Francolinus pictus

Francolinus pictus

Francolinus pictus

Features:

Francolinus pictus prefers to live alone or in pairs, forming flocks like other chickens. They fly very fast, often in a straight line. They are extremely vigilant and always hide in grass or bushes, making them extremely difficult to spot. When frightened, most of them fly to higher ground, which i...

Francolinus gularis

Francolinus gularis

Francolinus gularis

Features:It is easily distinguished from the ordinary partridge, the biggest difference is that it has relatively long legs

The swamp partridge, Francolinus gularis, is very territorial, and the males often fight for territory.Swamp partridges like to travel alone or in pairs, and are good at forming flocks like other chickens. They fly very fast, often in a straight line. They are extremely vigilant and always hide in g...

Francolinus francolinus

Francolinus francolinus

Francolinus francolinus,Black Francolin

Features:

Black partridges are known as Francolinus francolinus and Black Francolin. They live in groups and often forage in groups of 10 to 14. Both males and females can produce a high-pitched call that can travel a long distance. It is an omnivorous bird, mainly feeding on wild plant seeds, grain seeds, be...

Francolinus sephaena

Francolinus sephaena

Francolinus sephaena,Crested Francolin

Features:The crest stands upright when frightened

Francolinus sephaena, or Crested Francolin, is a small, omnivorous pheasant bird.When a partridge is frightened, its dark crest will stand upright and its tail will rise 45 degrees as it walks. It feeds on fruits, seeds and insects. The nest is usually built under bushes, but occasionally it is buil...

Coturnix pectoralis

Coturnix pectoralis

Coturnix pectoralis,Pectoral Quail

Features:

Coturnix pectoralis (also known as Pectoral Quail) is a quail that often travels in pairs rather than flocks. It is often active in the plains, wastelands, streams and hillsides where dense weeds or undergrowth grow, and sometimes near arable land. Mainly eat weed seeds, beans, grains and berries, y...

Coturnix novaezelandiae

Coturnix novaezelandiae

Coturnix novaezelandiae,New Zealand Quail

Features:extinct

New Zealand quail Coturnix novaezelandiae (New Zealand Quail), little is known about New Zealand Quail, only from a person named Buhler collected a painting of New Zealand quail to imagine their posture, and from the habits of brown quail to guess the daily life of New Zealand quail: They usually li...

Coturnix delegorguei

Coturnix delegorguei

Coturnix delegorguei,Harlequin Quail

Features:

The Quail's scientific name is Coturnix delegorguei, and its foreign name is Harlequin Quail, and they often move in pairs rather than groups. It is often active in the plains, wastelands, streams and hillsides where dense weeds or undergrowth grow, and sometimes near arable land. Mainly eat wee...

Coturnix coturnix

Coturnix coturnix

Coturnix coturnix,Common Quail, Quail,Caille des blés

Features:The body is small and round, brown with distinct straw-yellow spear-like stripes and irregular markings

The Western Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Common Quail in English, quail in French, Caille des bles, has 6 subspecies. The original Chinese name was designated as "Common Quail" according to the English translation of "Common quail", and was revised to "West quail" in the...

Coturnix coromandelica

Coturnix coromandelica

Coturnix coromandelica,Rain Quail

Features:

The black-breasted Quail is known as Coturnix coromandelica or Rain Quail and is found in pairs rather than groups. It is often active in the plains, wastelands, streams and hillsides where dense weeds or undergrowth grow, and sometimes near arable land. Mainly eat weed seeds, beans, grains and berr...

Cheer Pheasant

Cheer Pheasant

Cheer Pheasant,Catreus wallichii

Features:

The painted Pheasant (Catreus wallichii), the foreign name Cheer Pheasant, like most pheasant birds, does not have a bright rich color.Most pheasants use their powerful beaks to dig the ground for food, including plant roots, tubers or bulbs, seeds, grubs, beetles, snails, insect larvae and worms, a...