Junglefowl

genus of birds

Junglefowl are the four living species of bird from the genus Gallus in the pheasant family. They occur in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Gallus
Junglefowl
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Gallus

Brisson, 1766
Species

These are large birds, with colourful male plumage. They are difficult to see in the dense vegetation they live in.

The junglefowl are seed-eaters, but insects are also taken, particularly by the young birds.

One of the species in this genus, the Red Junglefowl, is of historical importance as the likely ancestor of the domesticated chicken.