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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
Ducula galeata

Ducula galeata

Ducula galeata，Marquesan Imperial-pigeon，Nukuhiva Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Marquesan Imperial pigeon is known as Ducula galeata, Marquesan Imperial pigeon and Nukuhiva Imperial pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second clas...

Ducula pacifica

Ducula pacifica

Ducula pacifica，Pacific Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：The body is relatively fat, the head is slightly smaller, the neck is thick and short, and the feathers are soft and denseThe body is relatively fat, the head is slightly smaller, the neck is thick and short, and the feathers are soft and dense

The Pacific Imperial pigeon (Ducula pacifica, Pacific Imperial-pigeon) has two subspecies. Pacific Emperor doves < span> In order to feed, they often travel in large groups between islands. They eat mainly the fruits of plants, but sometimes the leaves and flowers. They live in trees, are good...

Ducula luctuosa

Ducula luctuosa

Ducula luctuosa，White Imperial-Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The White Imperial Pigeon is known as Ducula luctuosa or White Imperial-Pigeon.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!...

Ducula spilorrhoa

Ducula spilorrhoa

Ducula spilorrhoa，Torresian Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

It is known as Ducula spilorrhoa and Torresian Imperial-pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animalsProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's resp...

Ducula whartoni

Ducula whartoni

Ducula whartoni，Christmas Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Christmas Island Imperial whartoni is known as Ducula whartoni and Christmas Imperial-pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animalsProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological...

Ducula pickeringii

Ducula pickeringii

Ducula pickeringii

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Malay royal dove is Ducula pickeringii, and 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 ecological balance is everyone's res...

Ducula radiata

Ducula radiata

Ducula radiata，Grey-headed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula radiata, and its foreign name is Grey-headed Imperial pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and eliminate wil...

Ducula zoeae

Ducula zoeae

Ducula zoeae，Zoe's Imperial-pigeon，Banded Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Scientific name Ducula zoeae, foreign name Zoe' s Imperial-pigeon, Banded Imperial-pigeon, 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 ecological balance...

Ducula chalconota

Ducula chalconota

Ducula chalconota

Landfowl LC

Features：It got its name from a clump of red hair on its chest

Its scientific name is Ducula chalconota, and its specific habits are unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Mainta...

Ducula basilica

Ducula basilica

Ducula basilica，Cinnamon-bellied Imperial pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula basilica, and its foreign name is Cinnamon-bellied Imperial pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and elimina...

Ducula myristicivora

Ducula myristicivora

Ducula myristicivora，Spice Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula myristicivora, or Spice Imperial-pigeon, 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!...

Ducula Pinon

Ducula Pinon

Ducula Pinon，Pinon's Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the naked orbital imperial dove is Ducula Pinon, the foreign name Pinon' s Imperial-pigeon, whose behavior is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animalsProtect wild ani...

Ducula mindorensis

Ducula mindorensis

Ducula mindorensis，Mindoro Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The red-throated Imperial pigeon is known as Ducula mindorensis or Mindoro imperial-pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Listed in Appendix I, Appendix II and Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade...

Ducula brenchleyi

Ducula brenchleyi

Ducula brenchleyi，Chestnut-bellied Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula brenchleyi, and its foreign name is chestney-bellied Imperial-pigeon.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 every...

Ducula perspicillata

Ducula perspicillata

Ducula perspicillata，White-eyed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The turtle's scientific name is Ducula perspicillata, and its foreign name is White-eyed Imperial-pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.National second-class protected animalsProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintai...

Ducula forsteni

Ducula forsteni

Ducula forsteni，White-bellied Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula forsteni, and its foreign name is White-bellied Imperial-pigeon. The breeding season is from April to July. They often nest in pairs. They usually nest in the branches of trees or between shrubs and bamboo bushes in the forest. The nest is mainly composed of twigs and m...

Ducula lacernulata

Ducula lacernulata

Ducula lacernulata，Dark-backed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula lacernulata, and its foreign name is Dark-backed Imperial pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1: Red List of Birds 2010.Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and eliminate...

Ducula poliocephala

Ducula poliocephala

Ducula poliocephala，Pink-bellied Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The red-bellied Imperial pigeon is known as Ducula poliocephala or Pink-bellied imperial pigeon.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 responsibi...

Ducula rosacea

Ducula rosacea

Ducula rosacea，Pink-headed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula rosacea, or Pink-headed Imperial pigeon, 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!...

Ducula aurorae

Ducula aurorae

Ducula aurorae，Polynesian Imperial Pigeon，Society Islands Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula aurorae, and its foreign name is Polynesian Imperial Pigeon and Society Islands Pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Endangered (EN).Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecologica...

Ducula finschii

Ducula finschii

Ducula finschii，Finsch's Imperial-pigeon，Growling Imperial Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Scientific name Ducula finschii, foreign name Finsch' s Imperial-pigeon, Growling Imperial Pigeon, the behavior of which is unknown.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 me...

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