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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 mullerii

Ducula mullerii

Ducula mullerii，Collared Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The black-collared Imperial dove is known as Ducula mullerii or Collared 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 bala...

Ducula oceanica

Ducula oceanica

Ducula oceanica，Micronesian Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula oceanica, and its foreign name is Micronesian 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 wi...

Ducula concinna

Ducula concinna

Ducula concinna，Elegant Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula concinna, the foreign name is Elegant Imperial-pigeon, the 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...

Ducula carola

Ducula carola

Ducula carola，Spotted Imperial Pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Spotted Imperial Pigeon is Ducula carola, and the foreign name is spotted Imperial Pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of Birds - Vulnerable (VU).Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second...

Ducula latrans

Ducula latrans

Ducula latrans，Peale's Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Scientific name Ducula latrans, foreign name Peale' 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.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's respo...

Ducula cineracea

Ducula cineracea

Ducula cineracea，Timor Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Timor-Leste's scientific name is Ducula cineracea or Timor Imperial-pigeon.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and...

Ducula bakeri

Ducula bakeri

Ducula bakeri，Vanuatu Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Its scientific name is Ducula bakeri, and its foreign name is Vanuatu 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 everyone's res...

Ducula rubricera

Ducula rubricera

Ducula rubricera，Red-knobbed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula rubricera, also known as Red-knobbed Imperial pigeon, 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 animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&#...

Ducula rufigaster

Ducula rufigaster

Ducula rufigaster，Purple-tailed Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula rufigaster, or Purple-tailed Imperial pigeon, 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 animals and eliminate wild meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's res...

Ducula pistrinaria

Ducula pistrinaria

Ducula pistrinaria，Island Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula pistrinaria (Island Imperial-pigeon) is not known.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 responsibi...

Ducula goliath

Ducula goliath

Ducula goliath，New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula goliath, or New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon, is unknown.Listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ver 3.1:2010 Red List of birds - Near Threatened (NT).Listed in China's national key protected animal class: second classProtect wild animals and eliminate wild meat....

Ducula bicolor

Ducula bicolor

Ducula bicolor，Pied Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Ducula bicolor (Pied Imperial-pigeon) is not known.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 class...

Ducula melanochroa

Ducula melanochroa

Ducula melanochroa，Bismarck Imperial-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The black Imperial pigeon is known as Ducula melanochroa or Bismarck 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 class.Protect wild animals and eliminate wild mea...

Treron seimundi

Treron seimundi

Treron seimundi，Yellow-vented Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name Treron seimundi, foreign name Yellow-vented Green-pigeon, the specific habit is unknown.At about 6:40 on October 10, 2020, a white-bellied pintail green dove appeared at the Fenghuang Mountain Bird Ring Station of Nanjian Management and Protection Bureau of Wuliangshan National N...

Treron oxyura

Treron oxyura

Treron oxyura，Sumatran Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name Treron oxyura and the foreign name Sumatran Green-pigeon are 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 meat.Maintaining ecological balance is everyone&#...

Treron sanctithomae

Treron sanctithomae

Treron sanctithomae，Sao Tome Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The scientific name of the Sao Tome Green dove is Treron sanctithomae, the foreign name is SAO tome green-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...

Treron pembaensis

Treron pembaensis

Treron pembaensis，Pemba Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The species is known as Treron pembaensis or Pemba Green-pigeon, but its behavior is unknown.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...

Treron calvus

Treron calvus

Treron calvus，Treron calvusTemminck

Landfowl LC

Features：

The behavior of the African Green Pigeon (Latin name: Treron calvus, English: African Green Pigeon) is unknown.The African green dove is more timid and is seen hiding in high foliage. Figs are their favorite food, and their green wings are an effective camouflage when hiding in fruit trees. Breeding...

Treron australis

Treron australis

Treron australis，Madagascar Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Maltese Green pigeon is known as Treron australis and Madagascar green-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!...

Treron waalia

Treron waalia

Treron waalia，Bruce's Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

Yellow belly green dove scientific name Treron waalia, foreign name Bruce' s Green-pigeon, whose behavior 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...

Treron psittacea

Treron psittacea

Treron psittacea，Timor Green-pigeon

Landfowl LC

Features：

The Timorese Green pigeon's scientific name is Treron psittacea, the foreign name is Timor green-pigeon, the specific habit is unknown.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...

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