Junglefowls

Junglefowls are a group of wild birds in the genus Gallus, the closest living relatives of the domestic chicken. The group includes several species that occur across South and Southeast Asia and the Indonesian archipelago, most notably the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). Other wild junglefowls commonly recognized are the grey junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii), the Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii), and the Javan junglefowl (Gallus varius). The red junglefowl is widely studied and is the primary ancestral stock of domesticated chickens.

Junglefowls are mainly ground-dwelling and forage for seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates, often in forest edges, scrub, and cultivated areas. They roost in trees at night and show marked sexual dimorphism: males tend to be larger with brighter plumage, and they possess prominent combs and wattles, while females are more camouflaged. Males may display elaborate plumage for courtship, and both sexes have strong legs suited to terrestrial foraging.

Reproduction is typically polygynous, with a male courting and defending a group of hens. Nests are usually on the ground in dense cover; clutch sizes are modest, and incubation lasts roughly 18–22 days. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching, guided by the parents.

Conservation concerns vary by species. Some junglefowls face habitat loss and hunting pressures, and hybridization with domestic chickens can threaten genetic integrity in wild populations. The red junglefowl is of particular significance as the primary wild ancestor of the domestic chicken, a relationship traced to several thousand years of Southeast Asian domestication. Taxonomic classifications of Gallus species have varied, with four to five species recognized by different authorities.