Pheasants and Allies

Red-necked Spurfowl

Pheasants are birds of several genera within the subfamily Phasianinae, of the family Phasianidae in the order Galliformes. Though they can be found world over in introduced (and captive) populations, the pheasant genera native range is restricted to Asia.
Pheasants are characterised by strong sexual dimorphism, males being highly decorated with bright colors and adornments such as wattles. Males are usually larger than females and have longer tails. Males play no part in rearing the young.
Junglefowl are the only four living species of bird from the genus Gallus in the bird order Galliformes, and occur in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to see a bigger photograph.

Updated 13/12/2019

Francolins are birds that traditionally have been placed in the genus Francolinus, but now commonly are divided into multiple genera. The francolins' closest relatives are the junglefowl, long-billed partridge, Alectoris and Coturnix.
When all are maintained in a single genus, it is the most diverse of the Galliformes, having by far the most members. Francolins are terrestrial (though not flightless) birds that feed on insects, vegetable matter and seeds. Most of the members have a hooked upper beak, well-suited for digging at the bases of grass tussocks and rootballs. They have wide tails with fourteen rectrix feathers. Most species exhibit spurs on the tarsi.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to see a bigger photograph.

Updated 13/12/2019

Partridges are medium-sized non-migratory birds, with a wide native distribution throughout the Old World, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are sometimes grouped in the Perdicinae subfamily of the Phasianidae (pheasants, quail, etc.). However, molecular research suggests that partridges are not a distinct taxon within the family Phasianidae, but that some species are closer to the pheasants, while others are closer to the junglefowl.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to see a bigger photograph.

Updated 13/12/2019

Bird Families of the World