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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
Pterocles orientalis

Pterocles orientalis

Pterocles orientalis,Black-bellied Sandgrouse

Features:Although it is also called "chicken", it is more closely related to pigeons.

Black-bellied Sandgrouse, there are 2 subspecies.Black-bellied Sandgrouse is a summer migratory bird, migrating to the breeding grounds in spring from March to April, and leaving the breeding grounds in autumn from September to October, migrating in small groups.The black-bellied sandgrouse moves in...

Ducula badia

Ducula badia

Ducula badia ,Mountain Imperial Pigeon,Millet-backed imperial pigeon, Grey-headed southern pigeon

Features:The call is deep and gives people a sad feeling. It bends and kowtows when calling.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon is called Mountain Imperial Pigeon in foreign language, and has 6 subspecies.Mountain Imperial Pigeon often moves in small groups, and occasionally in large groups of about 40. They often move in the canopy of tall trees in the forest. In the morning and evening, they often...

Ducula aenea

Ducula aenea

Green dove, big green dove, big green pigeon,Ducula aenea,Green Imperial Pigeon

Features:The sound is very special, very much like the sound of human snickering

Green Imperial Pigeon, also known as Green Imperial Pigeon, has 15 subspecies.Green Imperial Pigeons often move alone or in pairs, and also in groups in winter. It often moves in the canopy, especially in the morning and evening. It often lives on the dead branches at the top of the big tree. It rar...

Ptilinopus leclancheri

Ptilinopus leclancheri

Black-chinned Green Pigeon, Little Green Pigeon,Ramphiculus leclancheri,Black-chinned Fruit Dove,Ptilinopus leclancheri

Features:The purple horizontal bands on the chin and chest are the identifying features of this species

Black-chinned Fruit Dove, also known as Black-chinned Fruit Dove, has 4 subspecies.Black-chinned Fruit Dove is a resident bird, often acting alone, rarely in groups. It is timid and always stops for a while before taking off when in danger. It flies fast and powerfully. They often move in the canopy...

Treron formosae

Treron formosae

Taiwan Green Pigeon,Treron formosae,Whistling Green Pigeon

Features:The forehead, top of the head and nape of the male bird are orange-red.

The Whistling Green Pigeon has four subspecies.The Whistling Green Pigeon often moves alone, in pairs or in small groups, especially in the morning and evening. It mainly moves and forages in the tree canopy. It is a frugivorous bird: it mainly consumes a variety of fruits, seeds and berries, howeve...

Treron sieboldii

Treron sieboldii

White-bellied Wedge-tailed Pigeon, White-bellied Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon,Treron sieboldii,White-bellied Green-pigeon

Features:There are large purple-red chestnut spots on the wings, and the abdomen and the rest of the lower body are milky white or light brown, which is lighter than the abdomen of other green pigeons.

The foreign name of the Red-winged Green-pigeon is White-bellied Green-pigeon, and there are 4 subspecies.The Red-winged Green-pigeon often moves in small groups or alone. It flies fast and straight, and can suddenly change direction during flight. When flying, its wings flap quickly and powerfully,...

Treron sphenura

Treron sphenura

Green Pigeon,Treron sphenura,Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon

Features:The tail is wedge-shaped, with the two outermost pairs of tail feathers having black subterminal spots.

Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon has four subspecies.Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon is a resident bird, often moving alone, in pairs or in small groups. It is especially active in the morning and evening, mainly moving and foraging in the tree canopy. The call is very pleasant, full of flute-like sounds. It mai...

Treron apicauda

Treron apicauda

Treron apicauda,Pin-tailed Green-pigeon

Features:The tail feathers are dark grape gray or pearl gray, and the central pair of tail feathers are particularly elongated and pointed.

Pin-tailed Green-pigeon, also known as Pin-tailed Green-pigeon, has three subspecies.The Pin-tailed Green Pigeon is a resident bird. It often forms small groups and moves on tall trees. It often flies between trees or stands on branches and sings. The sound is mostly a whistle with rich changes, ric...

Treron phoenicoptera

Treron phoenicoptera

Common Green Pigeon,Treron phoenicoptera,Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

Features:Its feet are yellow and its claws are grey, which is one of the characteristics that distinguishes it from other green pigeons.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, also known as Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, has 5 subspecies.Yellow-footed Green Pigeon often moves alone or in pairs, sometimes in small groups of 5-6, with a maximum of more than 10. In the early morning and evening, they like to stand on the branches at the top of the tr...

reron curvirostra

reron curvirostra

Rough-billed Green Pigeon,Treron curvirostra,Thick-billed Green Pigeon

Features:The bill is short and thick, pale yellowish green or lead white

Thick-billed Green Pigeon, also known as Thick-billed Green Pigeon, has 9 subspecies.Thick-billed Green Pigeon is fond of eating the fruits of banyan trees, so it often appears in fruit trees, especially banyan trees. Places with abundant old banyan trees often attract a large number of Thick-billed...

Treron pompadora

Treron pompadora

Gray-headed green pigeon, Gray-headed mountain pigeon,Treron pompadora,Pompadour Green-pigeon

Features:The back of the neck to the upper back is dark green, and the lower back and shoulders are dark purple chestnut, forming a wide "V"

Grey-headed green pigeons are called Pompadour Green-pigeon in foreign language, and there are 8 subspecies.Grey-headed green pigeons like to live in lowland evergreen rainforests in small or large groups. They often visit saline land. They often move in groups, starting to move and forage after day...

Treron bicinctus

Treron bicinctus

Red-breasted Green Pigeon, Orange-breasted Pigeon, Yellow-breasted Green Pigeon,Treron bicinctus,Orange-breasted Green-pigeon

Features:A wide reddish-purple band runs across the upper chest, followed by another wider brownish-orange band.

Orange-breasted Green-pigeon has four subspecies.Orange-breasted Green-pigeon is mainly a resident bird, usually alone or in small groups of 5-6, and sometimes mixed with other birds. It is most active in the morning and evening. Likes to live on the top branches of dead trees. Its call is a beautif...

Macropygia ruficeps

Macropygia ruficeps

Brown-headed cuckoo dove, Lesser red cuckoo dove,Macropygia ruficeps,Little Cuckoo-dove

Features:Has a brown head

Little Cuckoo-dove is called Little Cuckoo-dove in English, and there are 8 subspecies.Little Cuckoo-dove is a resident bird, usually moving in groups. It moves calmly, and always stays for a while before taking off when it encounters danger. It has a low voice. It mainly feeds on plant fruits, seed...

Barred Cuckoo-dove

Barred Cuckoo-dove

Pied coffee chase,Macropygia unchall,Barred Cuckoo-dove

Features:A large, long-tailed turtle with black or brown markings on its back and tail

Barred Cuckoo-dove has three subspecies.Cuckoo doves are resident birds, partially wandering. Usually in pairs, occasionally alone, rarely in groups. Land with your tail up. Action is calm, not afraid of people, do not fly away immediately after seeing people, always stay and look at each other for...

Columba punicea

Columba punicea

Columba punicea,Pale-capped Pigeon

Features:It is a medium sized tawny and grey pigeon

The foreign name of the purple forest Pigeon is Pale-capped Pigeon, no subspecies.Purple pigeons often live alone or in pairs. Occasionally in small groups, sexually active, fast and powerful flight. It mainly feeds on berries, figs and other plant fruits and seeds, and also eats crop seeds. It ofte...

Green Imperial-pigeon

Green Imperial-pigeon

Wood pigeon, common wood pigeon,Columba palumbus,Green Imperial-pigeon

Features:Similar in size to the wild pigeon, the body is gray, with a white collar, and the wings have white stripes

There are 6 subspecies of Green Imperial pigeon. Columba palumbus casiotis (Columba palumbus casiotis) is the only one in China. It is found in Kashgar and Tianshan Mountains in western Xinjiang. Rare resident bird.Zebra pigeons like to travel in groups, especially during the non-breeding season. Te...

Pale-backed Pigeon

Pale-backed Pigeon

Pale-backed Pigeon,Columba eversmanni

Features:It resembles a European dove, but has a white back

The Central Asian Pigeon is known as Pale-backed Pigeon and has no subspecies. Central Asian pigeons Often live alone or in pairs. Occasionally in small groups, sexually active, fast and powerful flight. It mainly feeds on berries, figs and other plant fruits and seeds, and also eats crop seeds. It...

Polyplectron katsumatae

Polyplectron katsumatae

Polyplectron katsumatae,Hainan Peacock-pheasant

Features:It is one of the rare and endangered pheasant species, and the male adult bird resembles the gray peacock named subspecies, but is much smaller

Hainan Peacock pheasant has no subspecies.Hainanese pheasants often move alone or in pairs, and will flee if disturbed. It rarely rises to the top of the tree and burrows into the dense branches. They perch on branches at night. Travel alone or in pairs, forage on the ground and spend the night in t...

Polyplectron bicalcaratum

Polyplectron bicalcaratum

Peacock chicken, money chicken,Polyplectron bicalcaratum,Grey Peacock-Pheasant

Features:The upper back, wings and end of the tail feathers are named for their gorgeous eye spots like a peacock

Polyplectron katsumatae (Polyplectron katsumatae) was developed in 2004 by the Hainan Provincial Forestry Bureau, Hainan Normal University and Beijing Normal University. Through DNA sequencing and molecular genetic markers, it was found that the genetic distance between Hainanese peacock pheasant an...

Chrvsolophus amherstiae

Chrvsolophus amherstiae

Chrvsolophus amherstiae,Lady Amherst's Pheasant,Bronze chicken, bamboo chicken, quilt chicken, turnip chicken, silver chicken

Features:In traditional Chinese culture, it is a symbol of wealth and good fortune and one of the most beautiful viewing pheasants in the world

Lady Amherst' s Pheasant, no subspecies.White-bellied caragana roosts in the canopy at night, and moves to the ground and forages during the day, usually wandering in the forest after light. In addition to the breeding season, there are more single, pairs or a male number of females together, an...

Chrysolophus pictus

Chrysolophus pictus

Chrysolophus pictus,Golden Pheasant,Golden pheasant, pheasant, pheasant, picker

Features:Famous bird watching at home and abroad

There are three subspecies of Golden Pheasant.Red-belted chickens like to move in groups, especially in autumn and winter, sometimes as many as 30 in a cluster, spring and summer can also be seen alone or in pairs. Sex alert, timid. Hearing and visual sensitivity, a little sound, immediately flee, w...