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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
Alectoris melanocephala

Alectoris melanocephala

Alectoris melanocephala，Arabian Partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：

Arabian chicken scientific name Alectoris melanocephala, foreign name Arabian Partridge, sex like cluster. Action is very alert and careful, often run along the hillside or up the mountain in case of danger, never run down the mountain, running speed is extremely fast, but also good at hiding. Also...

Rock Partridge

Rock Partridge

Rock Partridge，Alectoris graeca

Landfowl LC

Features：The forehead has a black band above the chest, the lower body is brown-gray, the flight feathers are white or gray, and there are longitudinal spots of color storage

European grouper (scientific name: Alectoris graeca), foreign name Rock Partridge, pheasant family Grouper genus of medium chickens, there are 4 subspecies.The European grouper likes to flock. Action is very alert and careful, often run along the hillside or up the mountain in case of danger, never...

Alectoris chukar

Alectoris chukar

Alectoris chukar，Chuckar，Chukar，Chukar Partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：Prominent black and maroon spots on both sides

Alectoris chukar (Chuckar, Chukar, Chukar Partridge) is a medium-sized pheasant with 14 subspecies.Grouper is a resident bird. Active during the day, the sex likes to cluster, sometimes during the day to the farmland near the hillside to forage, after the shock straight to the mountain quickly run....

Alectoris barbara

Alectoris barbara

Alectoris barbara，Barbary Partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：

North African rock chicken scientific name Alectoris barbara, foreign name Barbary Partridge, sex like cluster. Action is very alert and careful, often run along the hillside or up the mountain in case of danger, never run down the mountain, running speed is extremely fast, but also good at hiding....

Congo peafowl

Congo peafowl

Congo peafowl，Congo Peacock，Afropavo congensis

Landfowl LC

Features：Females are more beautiful than males

Congo Peacock (Afropavo congensis) : Congo peafowl, Congo Peacock, no subspecies. Congolese peacocks defy the general rules of the bird world, with females being more beautiful than males.Congo peacock is an elusive mysterious bird, because living in Africa's dark, human and animal rare rainfore...

Rhynchortyx cinctus

Rhynchortyx cinctus

Rhynchortyx cinctus，Tawny-faced Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：Brown-red parts on the head and cheeks, with black stripes from the eyes to the neck

Tawny-faced Quail (Rhynchortyx cinctus) feeds on plant seeds and insects. They usually live in pairs, but small groups of up to eight birds have been reported. Females begin laying eggs in early March and are monogamous.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red Lis...

Philortyx fasciatus

Philortyx fasciatus

Philortyx fasciatus，Banded Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：On top of his head stood a tuft of black crests

The Quail (Philortyx fasciatus) is a ground-dwelling bird, usually living in small groups of about a dozen individuals, sometimes in larger groups of up to 30 individuals. When startled, they run around in panic, which can make potential predators run away.The quails feed mainly on worms of the genu...

Oreortyx pictus

Oreortyx pictus

Oreortyx pictus，Mountain Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：There are two crests like radar, sometimes raised, sometimes attached to the back of the head

Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) has five subspecies.Quails are terrestrial birds that move and walk mainly on the ground. In late summer or fall and winter, adult and subadult birds move in family units, gathering into groups of more than 20 birds. Quails can also fly short distances, often quickly...

Odontophorus strophium

Odontophorus strophium

Odontophorus strophium，Gorgeted Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Gorgeted Wood-quail, Odontophorus strophium and Gorgeted wood-quail, are typically active at dawn or dusk and live in family groups of up to 12 gorgeted wood-quail. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cau...

Odontophorus stellatus

Odontophorus stellatus

Odontophorus stellatus，starred wood quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

starred wood quail (Odontophorus stellatus, starred wood quail) is active at dawn or dusk, living in family units, usually in small groups of up to 12 quails. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious,...

Odontophorus speciosus

Odontophorus speciosus

Odontophorus speciosus，Rufous-breasted Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus speciosus and Rufous-breasted Wood-quail are active at dawn or dusk. They live in family groups of up to 12 individuals. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs away on...

Odontophorus melanotis

Odontophorus melanotis

Odontophorus melanotis，Black-eared Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus melanotis, or Black-eared Wood-quail, is usually active at dawn or dusk, living in family groups of up to 12 individuals. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs away o...

Odontophorus melanonotus

Odontophorus melanonotus

Odontophorus melanonotus，Dark-backed Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

melanonotus melanonotus, or Dark-backed Wood-quail, is active at dawn or dusk, living in family groups of up to 12 individuals. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs away on foot...

Odontophorus leucolaemus

Odontophorus leucolaemus

Odontophorus leucolaemus，Black-breasted Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus leucolaemus and Black-breasted Wood-quail are active at dawn or dusk. They live in family groups of up to 12 quail. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs away on foot...

Odontophorus hyperythrus

Odontophorus hyperythrus

Odontophorus hyperythrus，chestnut wood quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

chestnut quail, whose scientific name is Odontophorus hyperythrus and whose foreign name is chestnut wood quail, is generally active at dawn or dusk. They live in families and generally gather in small groups of up to 12 individuals. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the...

Odontophorus guttatus

Odontophorus guttatus

Odontophorus guttatus，spotted wood quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Known as Odontophorus guttatus and spotted wood quail, they are usually active at dawn or dusk, living in small groups of up to 12. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs away on f...

Odontophorus gujanensis

Odontophorus gujanensis

Odontophorus gujanensis，Marbled Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus gujanensis, Marbled Wood-quail, is usually active at dawn or dusk, living in family units, usually in small groups of up to 12. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Gentle, shy and cautious, she usually runs...

Odontophorus erythrops

Odontophorus erythrops

Odontophorus erythrops，Rufous-fronted Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus erythrops, Rufous-fronted Wood-quail, is usually active at dawn or dusk, living in family units, usually in small groups of up to 12 individuals. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Shy...

Odontophorus dialeucos

Odontophorus dialeucos

Odontophorus dialeucos，Tacarcuna wood quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus dialeucos and Tacarcuna wood quail are active at dawn or dusk. They live in family groups, usually in small groups of up to 12. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Shy and cautious, she...

Odontophorus columbianus

Odontophorus columbianus

Odontophorus columbianus，Venezuelan

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus columbianus, Venezuelan quins, are active at dawn or dusk and live in families in small groups of up to 12 quins. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. Shy and cautious, she usually runs...

Odontophorus capueira

Odontophorus capueira

Odontophorus capueira，Spot-winged Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Known as Odontophorus capueira or Spot-winged Wood-quail, they are active at dawn or dusk. They live in families in small groups of up to 12 birds. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the ground and searching the soil for fallen seeds, fallen fruits and insects. The character...

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