The Anseriformes ( waterfowl) and the Galliformes together make up the Galloanserae. Consequently, the Phasianidae are expanded in current taxonomy to include the former Tetraonidae and Meleagrididae as subfamilies. The ancestors of grouse, though, adapted to harsh climates and could thereby colonize subarctic regions. The turkeys became larger after their ancestors colonized temperate and subtropical North America, where pheasant-sized competitors were absent. Despite their distinctive appearance, grouse and turkeys probably do not warrant separation as families due to their recent origin from partridge- or pheasant-like birds. The living Galliformes were once divided into seven or more families. Galliforms and waterfowl (order Anseriformes) are collectively called fowl.ĭespite its distinct appearance, the wild turkey is actually a very close relative of pheasants Common names are gamefowl or gamebirds, landfowl, gallinaceous birds, or galliforms. The name galliformes derives from " gallus", Latin for " rooster". Several species have been domesticated during their long and extensive relationships with humans. Males of most species are more colorful than the females, with often elaborate courtship behaviors that include strutting, fluffing of tail or head feathers, and vocal sounds. Many gallinaceous species are skilled runners and escape predators by running rather than flying. They adapt to most environments except for innermost deserts and perpetual ice. The order contains about 290 species, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica, and divided into five families: Phasianidae (including chicken, quail, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, peafowl (peacocks) and grouse), Odontophoridae (New World quail), Numididae (guinea fowl), Cracidae (including chachalacas and curassows), and Megapodiidae (incubator birds like malleefowl and brush-turkeys). Gallinaceous birds, as they are called, are important in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and predators, and are often reared by humans for their meat and eggs, or hunted as game birds. ![]() Galliformes / ˌ ɡ æ l ɪ ˈ f ɔːr m iː z/ is an order of heavy-bodied ground-feeding birds that includes turkeys, chickens, quail, and other landfowl. Possible earlier origin based on molecular clock Ĭlockwise from top left: Indian peafowl ( Pavo cristatus), red junglefowl ( Gallus gallus), golden pheasant ( Chrysolophus pictus), Chukar partridge ( Alectoris chukar), Gunnison grouse ( Centrocercus minimus), wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo), great curassow ( Crax rubra), helmeted Guineafowl ( Numida meleagris)
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