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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 wallacii

Ptilinopus wallacii

Ptilinopus wallacii，Wallace's Fruit-dove，Wallace's Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Scientific name Ptilinopus wallacii, foreign name Wallace' s Fruit-dove, Wallace' s 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 ecologica...

Ptilinopus rivoli

Ptilinopus rivoli

Ptilinopus rivoli，White-bibbed Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The behavior of the White-bibbed Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus rivoli) is unknown.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus bernsteinii

Ptilinopus bernsteinii

Ptilinopus bernsteinii，Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus bernsteinii or Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove 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's responsibility!...

Ptilinopus tannensis

Ptilinopus tannensis

Ptilinopus tannensis，Tanna Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ptilinopus tannensis and Tanna 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 nanus

Ptilinopus nanus

Ptilinopus nanus，Dwarf Fruit-dove，Ptilinopus naina

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus nanus, and its foreign names are Dwarf Fruit-dove and Ptilinopus naina.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 r...

Ptilinopus regina

Ptilinopus regina

Ptilinopus regina，Rose-crowned Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：It has a pink head, green wings, a gray chest and an orange-yellow belly

The Rose-crowned Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regina), with five subspecies, is a very beautiful small pigeon.Pink doves often act alone and rarely cluster, sometimes gathering more than 5 small groups, and mixing with other doves to form a beautiful and spectacular flock of doves. These birds are particu...

Ptilinopus solomonensis

Ptilinopus solomonensis

Ptilinopus solomonensis，Yellow-bibbed Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus solomonensis, and its foreign name is Yellow-bibbed 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 responsib...

Ptilinopus richardsii

Ptilinopus richardsii

Ptilinopus richardsii，Silver-capped Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus richardsii, and its foreign name is Silver-capped 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 responsibil...

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii

Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii，White-capped Fruit dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus dupetithouarsii, and its foreign name is White-capped 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 respons...

Ptilinopus marchei

Ptilinopus marchei

Ptilinopus marchei，Flame-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus marchei, and its foreign name is Flame-breasted 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 fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri，Red-eared Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：Palau island bird

Ptilinopus fischeri, also known as Red-eared Fruit-dove, feeds mainly on tree tops, but occasionally comes to the ground. Individual activities, rarely clustered. Eat mainly small, oily fruits, usually swallowed whole, digesting the flesh and removing the seeds.Listed in the International Union for...

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri

Ptilinopus fischeri，Red-eared Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

His scientific name is Ptilinopus fischeri, and his foreign name is Red-eared 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 ecolo...

Ptilinopus coralensis

Ptilinopus coralensis

Ptilinopus coralensis，Atoll Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus coralensis, and its foreign name is Atoll 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 greyii

Ptilinopus greyii

Ptilinopus greyii，Red-bellied Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus greyii and its foreign name is Red-bellied Fruit Dove.The Red billed fruit dove is 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 ever...

Ptilinopus cinctus

Ptilinopus cinctus

Ptilinopus cinctus，Banded Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus cinctus, and its foreign name is Banded 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 victor

Ptilinopus victor

Ptilinopus victor，Orange Dove，Orange Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus victor, and its foreign names are Orange Dove and Orange 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 resp...

Ptilinopus layardi

Ptilinopus layardi

Ptilinopus layardi，Whistling Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus layardi, and its foreign name is Whistling 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 dohertyi

Ptilinopus dohertyi

Ptilinopus dohertyi，Red-naped Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus dohertyi, and its foreign name is Red-naped 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's...

Ptilinopus occipitalis

Ptilinopus occipitalis

Ptilinopus occipitalis，Yellow-breasted Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus occipitalis, and its foreign name is Yellow-breasted Fruit-dove.They live in tropical and subtropical forests, feeding mainly on tree tops and occasionally on the ground. They eat mainly small, oily fruits, usually swallowing them whole, digesting the flesh and rele...

Ptilinopus luteovirens

Ptilinopus luteovirens

Ptilinopus luteovirens，Golden Dove，Golden Fruit Dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ptilinopus luteovirens, and its foreign names are Golden Dove and Golden 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...

Ptilinopus magnificus

Ptilinopus magnificus

Ptilinopus magnificus，Wompoo Fruit-dove

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the giant Fruit dove is Ptilinopus magnificus and the foreign name Wompoo fruit-dove. Its 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.Maintaining ec...

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