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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
Odontophorus balliviani

Odontophorus balliviani

Odontophorus balliviani，Stripe-faced Wood-quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus balliviani, or Stripe-faced Wood-quail, is active at dawn or dusk and lives in family 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. Usually shy and cautious, when...

Tacarcuna Wood-quail

Tacarcuna Wood-quail

Tacarcuna Wood-quail，Odontophorus dialeucos，Black-fronted Wood-quail，Black-fronted Wood Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Odontophorus atrifrons is a timid species and therefore one of the most difficult birds to study or even observe. Usually active at dawn or dusk, they live in family units and generally gather in small groups of up to 12 individuals. A gentle personality. They are used to looking for food on the gro...

Long-tailed Wood-partridge

Long-tailed Wood-partridge

Long-tailed Wood-partridge，Long-tailed Wood Partridge，Dendrortyx macroura

Landfowl LC

Features：

Dendrortyx macroura, Long-tailed wood-partridge, Long-tailed Wood Partridge, the specific habit is unknown. The breeding season occurs from February to April. Each clutch lays 4-8 eggs, with an average of 6 eggs, and the incubation period is usually 28-32 days.Listed on the International Union for C...

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Dendrortyx leucophrys

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Dendrortyx leucophrys, but its specific habits are unknown. The breeding season is from February to April. Each clutch lays 4-8 eggs, with an average of 6 eggs, and the incubation period is usually 28-32 days.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)...

Dendrortyx barbatus

Dendrortyx barbatus

Dendrortyx barbatus，Bearded Wood-partridge

Landfowl LC

Features：It has bright red eye rings, beak and leg claws

The Bearded quail (Dendrortyx barbatus) is bearded Wood-partridge and has no bearded subspecies.The whisker quail's call consists of a loud series of whistles with three or four long, high syllables: O EE EE, with the last note strong. Female birds can be distinguished from male birds by their l...

Dactylortyx thoracicus

Dactylortyx thoracicus

Dactylortyx thoracicus，Singing Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The toes and claws are long, the beak is short and strong, the wings are short and rounded, and the feet are stout

Singing Quail (Dactylortyx thoracicus) has 17 subspecies.Quails live in small families, searching for food on the ground. He will not immediately hide from danger, but will stand and watch. It feeds on the small bulbs and seeds of plants, as well as various insects, such as the American Champaedia (...

Cyrtonyx sallei

Cyrtonyx sallei

Cyrtonyx sallei，Spot-breasted Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

Cyrtonyx sallei: Formerly a subspecies of the Montejo quail, it became a separate species in 2014.The quails feed mainly on sorrel and sedge seeds. These birds are often seen digging in moist soil, their long, slender claws suitable for digging out plant roots and tubers. Insects and pupae are also...

Ocellated Quail

Ocellated Quail

Ocellated Quail，Cyrtonyx ocellatus

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ocellated Quail (Cyrtonyx ocellatus), no subspecies.Quails are herbivorous birds. The food is mainly Oxalisspp. And sedge (Cyperusspp.) The seeds of... As a result, these birds are often seen digging in moist soil, with elongated claws suited to digging at the roots and tubers of plants. Insects and...

Cyrtonyx montezumae

Cyrtonyx montezumae

Cyrtonyx montezumae，Montezuma Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The male bird is characterized by a distinctive black and white face

Colored Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) has five subspecies.Painted quails feed on green plants and insects on the ground, moving in clusters, usually walking or running on the ground, and feeding in the early morning. The food is mainly oxalis (oxalis SPP.) and Cyperusspp.) seeds. As a result, these bi...

Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite，Colinus virginianus

Landfowl LC

Features：It is the most widely distributed partridge in the United States and is distributed in North America

Northern Bobwhite Partridge (Colinus virginianus) is a small partridge with 20 subspecies.Partridge is distributed in North America, is the most widely distributed partridge in the United States, almost throughout the eastern United States, in parts of Mexico can also be seen, although the number is...

Colinus leucopogon

Colinus leucopogon

Colinus leucopogon，Spot-bellied Bobwhite

Landfowl LC

Features：

Spot-bellied Bobwhite (Colinus leucopogon) has six subspecies.Male quail birds are most common in spring and summer, with a loud song and a bob-bob-white call.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Not Threatened (LC).Protect...

Colinus nigrogularis

Colinus nigrogularis

Colinus nigrogularis

Landfowl LC

Features：

The name Colinus nigrogularis is unknown.International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Not Threatened (LC).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Colinus cristatus

Colinus cristatus

Colinus cristatus，Crested Bobwhite

Landfowl LC

Features：The brown back has black spots, and the head has white brow stripes with a short crest

Colinus cristatus, Crested Bobwhite, is an insect eater. In spring and summer, male birds are most often seen, with a loud, clear call that produces a bob-bob-white call.Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1: Not Threatened (L...

Callipepla squamata

Callipepla squamata

Callipepla squamata，Scaled Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：The body feathers are scaly moire, pale gray to pale white in color

Callipepla squamata is called Scaled Quail and has four subspecies.The quail mainly eats seeds, berries, and sometimes leaves, roots, and insects. Foraging is usually done by digging your toes and then using your beak. There are usually two adult birds and a variable number of subadult birds in smal...

Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail，Callipepla gambelii

Landfowl LC

Features：There is a black curved crown feather on the forehead, similar to the beaded quail

Callipepla gambelii belongs to the family Callipepla, there are 7 subspecies, and the distribution area is slightly different.Black-bellied quails are usually active in the morning and late afternoon. 90% of our food comes from plants. A variety of seeds and leaves are ingested throughout the year....

Callipepla douglasii

Callipepla douglasii

Callipepla douglasii，Elegant Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Quail's scientific name is Callipepla douglasii and its foreign name is Elegant Quail.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Protection Level: No Threat (LC).Protect wi...

Callipepla californica

Callipepla californica

Callipepla californica，California Quail

Landfowl LC

Features：It was plump and stocky, with a black curving crown on its forehead

Callipepla californica (California Quail) has eight subspecies.The quails feed on green plants and insects on the ground, and are highly clustered. Although they have strong flying ability, they mostly walk or run, and nest in the shelter of low branches. It likes to eat plants, seeds, insects and o...

Tympanuchus phasianellus

Tympanuchus phasianellus

Tympanuchus phasianellus，Sharp-tailed Grouse

Landfowl LC

Features：The tail is short but has a slender central plumage, giving the tail a sharp appearance

The Sharp-tailed prairie Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) is known as sharp-tailed grouse and has seven subspecies.The pintail prairie grouse is a forest bird, usually hiding in the branches of the pine tree, sometimes people walk nearby, still not moving: in the underforest brush slowly, when frig...

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus，Lesser Prairie-chicken

Landfowl LC

Features：It's a sandy grouse with brown markings

The Lesser Prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has no subspecies.The range of the little grass fowl is up to 5 square kilometers for males, and 2.3 square kilometers for females. The fragmentation of local habitats by farming and human construction has put considerable pressure on the range...

Tympanuchus cupido

Tympanuchus cupido

Tympanuchus cupido，Greater Prairie-chicken

Landfowl LC

Features：The male bird has two pointed crowns on top of its head and large inflating yellow-orange air sacs above its neck and eyes

The Prairie grouse (Tympanuchus cupido), also known as Greater Prairie-chicken, has three subspecies.Prairie grouse usually live in a relatively small area of a few hundred acres to cover and meet their food and water needs. If food is in short supply, they can also fly several miles for food. It is...

Greater Sage-grouse

Greater Sage-grouse

Greater Sage-grouse，Centrocercus urophasianus

Landfowl LC

Features：It is the largest grouse in North America

The Sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), also known as Greater Sage-grouse without subspecies, is the largest grouse in North America.Sage grouse do not fly much except up and down trees. Because of their clumsy body, they flap their wings violently when they first take off, and make a ge-ge-ge...

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