Landfowl (Order Galliformes)

Galliformes is an order of birds commonly known as landfowl or gamebirds, characterized by their robust bodies, short, rounded wings, and strong legs adapted for walking and scratching the ground. Most species have relatively limited flight ability, typically capable of short, rapid bursts rather than sustained flight.

Members of Galliformes generally possess strong, conical bills suited for feeding on seeds, fruits, shoots, and invertebrates. Many species show sexual dimorphism, with males often displaying brighter plumage, enlarged crests, wattles, or spurs used in courtship and territorial behavior.

Landfowl are primarily terrestrial and inhabit forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and mountainous regions across much of the world. The order includes well-known groups such as pheasants, partridges, quails, grouse, turkeys, and junglefowl. Ecologically, galliform birds play important roles in seed dispersal and as prey species within terrestrial ecosystems, while several species are also of major importance to humans for food, culture, and conservation.