Turkeys, Chickens etc: Order Galliformes

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Galliformes

This order, the jungle fowl, between the several families add up to 256 species in 58 genera. This is a group of medium sized birds that are more or less sedentary. The quail is one species that is known to migrate.

The family contains turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, quail, and mound builders. Long necks and thin long legs are characteristic of birds in the group. Most birds are known for their meandering and walking habits. When they fly, they get off the ground through short bursts of powerful energy.

Family Common name Total number
Meleagrididae Turkeys ?
Numididae Guineafowl 6 ?
Phasianidae Pheasants, Quail, relatives ?
Tetraonidae Grouse, Prairie-chickens 18
Odontophoridae Quail, Bob white 32
Megapodiidae Mound builders 19
Cracidae Guans, Currasows, Chachalacas 50
Mesitornithidae Mesites (Madagascar endemic) 3
Cite this Page: Nelson, R. 2009. "Turkeys, Chickens etc" (OnLine) UntamedScience. Accessed Feb 09, 2012 at http://www.untamedscience.com/biodiversity/animals/chordates/birds/turkeys-chickens-etc
Nelson, R.
Rob Nelson (author)
University of Hawaii
Created on: Mar 25th, 2009
Last updated: Apr 9th, 2011

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