Galliformes are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Gallinaceous birds enjoy a wide variety of habitats: forests, mountains, farmland, semideserts, and savannas (plant communities characterized by shrubs and low trees as well as grasses and herbs).
Galliformes are medium to large in size, with a stocky body, small head, and short wings. Quails are the smallest species, weighing less than 1 ounce (20 grams) and measuring just 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters). The wild turkey weighs 17 to 22 pounds (8 to 10 kilograms), and the domesticated turkey bred for eating can weigh up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms). The green peafowl measures up to 98 …
The chicken-like birds eat nuts, seeds, and parts of plants. Their large feet help them move branches and stones to discover food other animals could not access. Chicks eat insects and larvae (LAR-vee; immature stage for some insects) during their first few weeks of life. Galliformes regularly swallow small stones to help the digestive process. The rocks help break down nuts and seed coverings as …
Social behavior varies among species. Many species are solitary (lone) or spend the year in pairs. Other species spend the nonbreeding season feeding together in larger groups. Males are territorial. Because their vivid colorations make them easy to spot, some species move only when threatened, preferring to spend the majority of their time sitting still. Most species do not migrate. In fact, they…
As people turned from a hunter-gatherer society into a farming society, they began to domesticate several galliform species. Turkeys, chickens, and guineafowl continue to be an important part of the human diet throughout the globe. The eggs of Galliformes are highly prized, as their high yolk content is a rich protein source. Because Galliformes are sedentary, not very active, they are easy to sho…
Of all the galliform species, 104 are considered Threatened, at risk of extinction, or Near Threatened, could become threatened. Those under the greatest threat are pheasants and partridges. One, possibly two, species has become extinct since 1600. Hunting for adults and eggs is a serious threat to these game birds. Conservation efforts are being made throughout the world to stabilize populations,…
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