Gamefowl | Galliformes

Gamefowl | Galliformes

Description
Description

Galliformes is a large and diverse group of heavy-bodied, ground feeding birds. Also known as landfowl or game birds, galliformes are non-migratory and skilled runners, using their speed to escape predators as opposed to flying away. Galliformes are found on essentially all continents, but are rare or completely absent on islands, or areas that are completely ice or desert. Galliformes are chicken-like in appearance with blunt wings; their plumage can range from dark and drab to bright and colorful. Galliformes are omnivores and eat plant matter, as well as, insects, snakes, worms, or even small rodents. Galliformes have been domesticated and bred by humans for food or kept as pets.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Gamefowl, encompassing various breeds bred for strength and stamina, possess robust physiques. Their muscular bodies, strong legs, and sharp claws are adaptations for survival and competition. Many have vibrant plumage and prominent combs. Bred for agility, these birds exhibit swift, precise movements. They don’t “speak” like humans but communicate through a range of vocalizations, from territorial calls to social clucks and crows. Their keen senses are notable; sharp eyesight allows for detailed environmental perception, and their acute hearing aids in detecting threats or calls from their kin. All these attributes make gamefowl resilient and perceptive birds, well-adapted to their active lifestyles.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and gamefowl stretches back centuries, originally bred for cockfighting, a practice now banned in many regions due to ethical concerns. Despite their contentious past, gamefowl have also been appreciated for their beauty and vigor, featuring in art and literature. In popular culture, they symbolize courage and tenacity, often depicted in media and games.

Conservation efforts for traditional breeds have gained traction, recognizing their cultural significance and genetic diversity. Enthusiasts and breeders today focus on preserving these breeds for show, historical value, and the enrichment of avian diversity, fostering a new chapter of appreciation and care for gamefowl.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are game birds?

Game birds are wild birds that are hunted for sport and also raised for commercial purposes for their meat or egg production. Some species are trained to become ‘flight-ready’ birds for release in hunting preserves. Laws regulate their hunting, as well as protect their breeding season.

What do game birds eat?

A game birds diet depends on their species and if they are in the wild or in captivity. Typically, game birds in captivity have a diet that varies depending if they are being raised for breeding, meat, or shooting preserves. Game birds in the wild typically eat leaves, grasses, fruits, berries, seeds, and insects.

What species are game birds?

There are more than 400 species of game birds. The species include the guinea fowl, peacock, pigeon, and squab. Other species are the swan, dove, and some ducks. The most popular game birds hunted for sport and food are grouses, patridges, pheasants, quails, snipes, wild turkeys, and woodcocks.

14.2”-17.9” | 36-45.5 cm
31.5”-33.5” | 80-85 cm (Wingspan)
23.6”-29.5” | 60-75 cm
4-6.6 lb | 1.8-3 kg
10-13 years
Australian Brushturkey
45.500
85.000
75.000
3.000
13.00
120
GUIDE
3D
Australian Brushturkey
5.9”-6.7” | 15-17 cm
12.6”-16.1” | 32-41 cm (Wingspan)
9.4”-10.6” | 24-27 cm
.33-.42 lb | .15-.19 kg
4-10 years
California Quail
17.000
41.000
27.000
0.190
10.00
15100
GUIDE
3D
California Quail
Chukar
20400
9.1”-10.2” | 23-26 cm
20.1”-22” | 51-56 cm (Wingspan)
13.4”-15” | 34-38 cm
1-1.76 lb | .45-.8 kg
3-5 years
Chukar
26.000
56.000
38.000
0.800
5.00
20400
GUIDE
3D
Chukar
12.4”-16.1” | 31.5-41 cm
22”-35.4” | 56-90 cm (Wingspan)
27.6”-35.4” | 70-90 cm
1.7-3.75 lb | .75-1.7 kg
11-20 years
Common Pheasant
41.000
90.000
90.000
1.700
20.00
4200
GUIDE
3D
Common Pheasant
5.3”-6.1” | 13.5-15.5 cm
12.6”-13.8” | 32-35 cm (Wingspan)
6.3”-7.1” | 16-18 cm
.22-.37 lb | .1-.17 kg
2-6 years
Common Quail
15.500
35.000
18.000
0.170
6.00
13500
GUIDE
3D
Common Quail
9.8”-14.6” | 25-37 cm
23.6”-35.4” | 60-90 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-23.6” | 40-60 cm
5.7-9.9 lb | 2.6-4.5 kg
2-20 months (Farm); 3-10 years (Captivity)
Domestic Chicken
37.000
90.000
60.000
4.500
10.00
8400
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Chicken
25.6”-31.5” | 65-80 cm
59.1”-70.9” | 150-180 cm (Wingspan)
39.4”-49.2” | 100-125 cm
29.8-86 lb | 13.5-39 kg
5-6 months (Farm); 3-5 years (Wild)
Domestic Turkey
80.000
180.000
125.000
39.000
5.00
5900
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Turkey
15.2”-19.5” | 38.5-49.5 cm
25.6”-29.5” | 65-75 cm (Wingspan)
35.4”-45.3” | 90-115 cm
1.2-1.5 lb | .55-.7 kg
5-15 years
Golden Pheasant
49.500
75.000
115.000
0.700
15.00
52500
GUIDE
3D
Golden Pheasant
24”-29.1” | 61-74 cm
29.5”-35.4” | 75-90 cm (Wingspan)
30.7”-36.2” | 78-92 cm
6.8-10.6 lb | 3.1-4.8 kg
22-24 years
Great Curassow
74.000
90.000
92.000
4.800
24.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Great Curassow
12.2”-13.2” | 31-33.5 cm
27.2”-28.7” | 69-73 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-18.1” | 43-46 cm
1.5-2.6 lb | .7-1.2 kg
2-5 years
Greater Prairie Chicken
33.500
73.000
46.000
1.200
5.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Greater Prairie Chicken
28.3”-38.6” | 72-98 cm
47.2”-63” | 120-160 cm (Wingspan)
35.4”-50” | 90-127 cm (Body); 70.9”-96.5” | 180-245 cm (Overall)
8.5-11 lb | 3.85-5 kg
15-23 years
Green Peafowl
98.000
160.000
245.000
5.000
23.00
9700
GUIDE
3D
Green Peafowl
12.6”-19.7” | 32-50 cm
22”-33.9” | 56-86 cm (Wingspan)
22”-35.4” | 56-90 cm
1.5-3.1 lb | .7-1.4 kg
2-3 years
Green Pheasant
50.000
86.000
90.000
1.400
3.00
4650
GUIDE
3D
Green Pheasant
9.1”-9.8” | 23-25 cm
20.9”-22” | 53-56 cm (Wingspan)
11.8”-13” | 30-33 cm
.75-1.1 lb | .34-.48 kg
2-5 years
Grey Partridge
25.000
56.000
33.000
0.480
5.00
8200
GUIDE
3D
Grey Partridge
16.5”-19.7” | 42-50 cm
37.4”-39.4” | 95-100 cm (Wingspan)
20.9”-24.8” | 53-63 cm
2.2-4 lb | 1-1.8 kg
10-15 years
Helmeted Guineafowl
50.000
100.000
63.000
1.800
15.00
9650
GUIDE
3D
Helmeted Guineafowl
17.3”-23.6” | 44-60 cm
35.4”-51.2” | 90-130 cm (Wingspan)
33.5”-46” | 85-117 cm
4.4-5.5 lb | 2-2.5 kg
10-20 years
Horned Guan
60.000
130.000
117.000
2.500
20.00
700
GUIDE
3D
Horned Guan
26.4”-30.7” | 67-78 cm
55.1”-63” | 140-160 cm (Wingspan)
39.4”-45.3” | 100-115 cm (Body); 76.8”-88.6” | 195-225 cm (Overall)
6.1-13.2 lb | 2.75-6 kg
10-25 years
Indian Peafowl
78.000
160.000
225.000
6.000
25.00
29500
GUIDE
3D
Indian Peafowl
5.5”-6.3” | 14-16 cm
11”-13” | 28-33 cm (Wingspan)
6.3”-7.1” | 16-18 cm
.22-.35 lb | .1-.16 kg
2-6 years
Japanese Quail
16.000
33.000
18.000
0.160
6.00
10400
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Quail
Maleo
14040
16.1”-18.5” | 41-47 cm
11.8”-13.4” | 30-34 cm (Wingspan)
21.7”-23.6” | 55-60 cm
2.9-4 lb | 1.3-1.8 kg
16-23 years
Maleo
47.000
34.000
60.000
1.800
23.00
14040
GUIDE
3D
Maleo
7.9”-8.9” | 20-22.5 cm
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
10.2”-11” | 26-28 cm
.42-.64 lb | .19-.29 kg
2-4 years
Mountain Quail
22.500
40.000
28.000
0.290
4.00
5400
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Quail
6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm
13”-15” | 33-38 cm (Wingspan)
9.4”-11” | 24-28 cm
.35-.4 lb | .16-.18 kg
3-7 years
Northern Bobwhite
19.000
38.000
28.000
0.180
7.00
5500
GUIDE
3D
Northern Bobwhite
22.4”-29.9” | 57-76 cm
63”-66.9” | 160-170 cm (Wingspan)
35.4”-48” | 90-122 cm
6-11 lb | 2.7-5 kg
3-5 years
Ocellated Turkey
76.000
170.000
122.000
5.000
5.00
12700
GUIDE
3D
Ocellated Turkey
10”-12.4” | 25.5-31.5 cm
24”-27.2” | 61-69 cm (Wingspan)
18.9”-22.8” | 48-58 cm
.66-1.5 lb | .3-.7 kg
5-9 years
Plain Chachalaca
31.500
69.000
58.000
0.700
9.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Plain Chachalaca
12.2”-15.75” | 31-40 cm
31.5”-39.4” | 80-100 cm (Wingspan)
23.6”-29.5” | 60-75 cm
2.2-5.5 lb | 1-2.5 kg
3-11 years
Red Junglefowl
40.000
100.000
75.000
2.500
11.00
20000
GUIDE
3D
Red Junglefowl
10.4”-11.2” | 26.5-28.5 cm
22”-25.2” | 56-64 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-18.1” | 43-46 cm
1-1.65 lb | .45-.75 kg
1-3 years
Ruffed Grouse
28.500
64.000
46.000
0.750
3.00
24300
GUIDE
3D
Ruffed Grouse
7.9”-9.1” | 20-23 cm
14.2”-16.1” | 36-41 cm (Wingspan)
9.8”-11.4” | 25-29 cm
.33-.44 lb | .15-.2 kg
2-4 years
Scaled Quail
23.000
41.000
29.000
0.200
4.00
2350
GUIDE
3D
Scaled Quail
13.4”-18.9” | 34-48 cm
20.5”-35.4” | 52-90 cm (Wingspan)
27.6”-49.2” | 70-125 cm
2.5-4.4 lb | 1.15-2 kg
6-12 years
Silver Pheasant
48.000
90.000
125.000
2.000
12.00
6250
GUIDE
3D
Silver Pheasant
10”-11.6” | 25.5-29.5 cm
21.25”-22.8” | 54-58 cm (Wingspan)
15”-16.9” | 38-43 cm
1-1.72 lb | .45-.78 kg
5-6 years
Spruce Grouse
29.500
58.000
43.000
0.780
6.00
7805
GUIDE
3D
Spruce Grouse
23.6”-31.1” | 60-79 cm
49.2”-61” | 125-155 cm (Wingspan)
35.8”-46.1” | 91-117 cm
5.5-24.3 lb | 2.5-11 kg
3-5 years
Wild Turkey
79.000
155.000
117.000
11.000
5.00
3300
GUIDE
3D
Wild Turkey
10.2”-13.2” | 26-33.5 cm
23.6”-24.4” | 60-62 cm (Wingspan)
13.8”-17.3” | 35-44 cm
.95-1.8 lb | .43-.81 kg
5-9 years
Willow Ptarmigan
33.500
62.000
44.000
0.810
9.00
5300
GUIDE
3D
Willow Ptarmigan
Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata)
Comparison drawing of the Ocellated Turkey compared to other gamefowl

The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellate) is a turkey species with a plumage color mixture of bronze and green iridescent color. The female is generally duller, but the plumage alone cannot determine if it’s a female or male. Its tail is blue-gray with an eye-shaped spot that is blue-bronze near the end of with a bright gold tip. The Ocellated Turkey is native to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and parts of Belize and Guatemala. The Ocellated Turkey spends most of its time on the ground and feeds off beetles, nuts, and leaves. It is considered to be near threatened to extinction.

The Ocellated Turkey has a wingspan in the range of 63”-66.9” (160-170 cm) and total weight of 6-11 lb (2.7-5 kg). The body of the Ocellated Turkey has an overall length between 35.4”-48” (90-122 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 22.4”-29.9” (57-76 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ocellated Turkey is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Ocellated Turkey
The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellate) is a turkey species with a plumage color mixture of bronze and green iridescent color. The female is generally duller, but the plumage alone cannot determine if it’s a female or male. Its tail is blue-gray with an eye-shaped spot that is blue-bronze.

The Ocellated Turkey has a wingspan in the range of 63”-66.9” (160-170 cm) and total weight of 6-11 lb (2.7-5 kg). The body of the Ocellated Turkey has an overall length between 35.4”-48” (90-122 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 22.4”-29.9” (57-76 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ocellated Turkey is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Ocellated Turkey
Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata)
Height:
22.4”-29.9” | 57-76 cm
Width:
63”-66.9” | 160-170 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
35.4”-48” | 90-122 cm
Depth:
Weight:
6-11 lb | 2.7-5 kg
Area:

Body Width: 7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm

Scientific Name
Meleagris ocellata
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Ocellated Turkey side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Comparison drawing of the Green Peafowl compared to other gamefowl

The Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) also known as the Peacock is recognized for its beautiful tail. Both the female and male of this species are very similar in appearance. It has a long upper tail and iridescent green feathers that covers it neck and breast. The Green Peafowl is native to Southeast Asia, from eastern India and through the Islands of Java. It is found in bamboo, grasslands, savannas, scrub, and farmlands. The Green Peafowl is not a picky eater, it is an omnivore, and eats fruit, invertebrates, reptiles, frogs, rodents, and sometimes snakes. The Green Peafowl is considered to be in danger of extinction due to poaching and the reduction of its habitat.

The Green Peafowl has a wingspan in the range of 47.2”-63” (120-160 cm) and total weight of 8.5-11 lb (3.85-5 kg). The body of the Green Peafowl has an overall length between 70.9”-96.5” (180-245 cm), body length of 35.4”-50” (90-127 cm), body width of 9.4”-13” (24-33 cm), and standing height of roughly 28.3”-38.6” (72-98 cm). The typical lifespan of the Green Peafowl is between 15-23 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Green Peafowl
The Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) also known as the Peacock is recognized for its beautiful tail. Both the female and male of this species are very similar in appearance. It has a long upper tail and iridescent green feathers that covers it neck and breast.

The Green Peafowl has a wingspan in the range of 47.2”-63” (120-160 cm) and total weight of 8.5-11 lb (3.85-5 kg). The body of the Green Peafowl has an overall length between 70.9”-96.5” (180-245 cm), body length of 35.4”-50” (90-127 cm), body width of 9.4”-13” (24-33 cm), and standing height of roughly 28.3”-38.6” (72-98 cm). The typical lifespan of the Green Peafowl is between 15-23 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Green Peafowl
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Height:
28.3”-38.6” | 72-98 cm
Width:
47.2”-63” | 120-160 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
35.4”-50” | 90-127 cm (Body); 70.9”-96.5” | 180-245 cm (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
8.5-11 lb | 3.85-5 kg
Area:

Body Width: 9.4”-13” | 24-33 cm

Scientific Name
Pavo muticus
Lifespan
15-23 years

Drawings include:

Green Peafowl side view, front, flying, display

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Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Willow Ptarmigan to other species of gamefowl

The Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) also known as the Willow rouse, is a gamefowl that is deep-chested, has a long neck, broad bill, and short legs. During the winter both the male and female have a white plumage and in the summer their plumage takes on a red and brown marbled color. It is found in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, and Canada. In the winter the Willow Ptarmigan forms a large flock of up 2,200 birds. The Willow Ptarmigan mainly eats flower buds, catkins, leaves, twigs, berries, and seeds. The plants that it eats include willow, blueberry, bearberry, and birch.

The Willow Ptarmigan has a wingspan in the range of 23.6”-24.4” (60-62 cm) and total weight of .95-1.8 lb (.43-.81 kg). The body of the Willow Ptarmigan has an overall length between 13.8”-17.3” (35-44 cm), body width of 3.9”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 10.2”-13.2” (26-33.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Willow Ptarmigan is between 5-9 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Willow Ptarmigan in various poses with dimensions
The Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) also known as the Willow rouse, is a gamefowl that is deep-chested, has a long neck, broad bill, and short legs. During the winter both the male and female have a white plumage and in the summer their plumage takes on a red and brown marbled color.

The Willow Ptarmigan has a wingspan in the range of 23.6”-24.4” (60-62 cm) and total weight of .95-1.8 lb (.43-.81 kg). The body of the Willow Ptarmigan has an overall length between 13.8”-17.3” (35-44 cm), body width of 3.9”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 10.2”-13.2” (26-33.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Willow Ptarmigan is between 5-9 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Willow Ptarmigan in various poses with dimensions
Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Height:
10.2”-13.2” | 26-33.5 cm
Width:
23.6”-24.4” | 60-62 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
13.8”-17.3” | 35-44 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.95-1.8 lb | .43-.81 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3.9”-4.7” | 10-12 cm

Scientific Name
Lagopus lagopus
Lifespan
5-9 years

Drawings include:

Willow Ptarmigan side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Quail to other species of gamefowl

The Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) also known as the European Quail, is a small ground nesting gamefowl. It has a streaky brown plumage with a thick white stripe on its eyes. The Common Quail is found throughout Europe and North Africa. Although it is reluctant to fly the Common Quail has powerful wings that allow it to make a voyage between Northern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Common Quail is generally difficult to spot as it stays hidden between crops and is easier to hear. Since it is mostly on the ground, the Common Quail feeds on seeds and insects on the ground.

The Common Quail has a wingspan in the range of 12.6”-13.8” (32-35 cm) and total weight of .22-.37 lb (.1-.17 kg). The body of the Common Quail has an overall length between 6.3”-7.1” (16-18 cm), body width of 2.4”-2.75” (6-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.3”-6.1” (13.5-15.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Quail is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Quail in various poses with dimensions
The Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) also known as the European Quail, is a small ground nesting gamefowl. It has a streaky brown plumage with a thick white stripe on its eyes. The Common Quail is found throughout Europe and North Africa. The Common Quail is often reluctant to fly.

The Common Quail has a wingspan in the range of 12.6”-13.8” (32-35 cm) and total weight of .22-.37 lb (.1-.17 kg). The body of the Common Quail has an overall length between 6.3”-7.1” (16-18 cm), body width of 2.4”-2.75” (6-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.3”-6.1” (13.5-15.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Quail is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Quail in various poses with dimensions
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Height:
5.3”-6.1” | 13.5-15.5 cm
Width:
12.6”-13.8” | 32-35 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
6.3”-7.1” | 16-18 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.22-.37 lb | .1-.17 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.4”-2.75” | 6-7 cm

Scientific Name
Coturnix coturnix
Lifespan
2-6 years

Drawings include:

Common Quail side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus)
Scale illustration of an average Domestic Turkey compared to other gamefowl species

The Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) is the same species as the Wild Turkey. It is much larger than the Wild Turkey as humans have breed the Domestic Turkey to become fatter and more friendly. It is believed that the Wild Turkey was domesticated about 2,000 years ago in Mesoamerica and in the Southwestern United States between 200 BC and AD 500. The Domestic Turkey does not live in the wild and can be found in controlled environments throughout the world except for Antarctica. It is bred for its meat. The Domesticated Turkey eats mostly food pellet, but can also eat insects, berries, seeds, and fruits.

The Domestic Turkey has a wingspan in the range of 59.1”-70.9” (150-180 cm) and total weight of 29.8-86 lb (13.5-39 kg). The body of the Domestic Turkey has an overall length between 39.4”-49.2” (100-125 cm), body width of 15”-18.5” (38-47 cm), and standing height of roughly 25.6”-31.5” (65-80 cm). The typical lifespan of the Domestic Turkey is between 5-6 months when farmed, and 3-5 years in the wild.

Series of measured illustrations of the Gobbler Domestic Turkey
The Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) is the same species as the Wild Turkey. It is much larger than the Wild Turkey as humans have breed the Domestic Turkey to become fatter and more friendly. It is believed that the Wild Turkey was domesticated about 2,000 years ago in Mesoamerica.

The Domestic Turkey has a wingspan in the range of 59.1”-70.9” (150-180 cm) and total weight of 29.8-86 lb (13.5-39 kg). The body of the Domestic Turkey has an overall length between 39.4”-49.2” (100-125 cm), body width of 15”-18.5” (38-47 cm), and standing height of roughly 25.6”-31.5” (65-80 cm). The typical lifespan of the Domestic Turkey is between 5-6 months when farmed, and 3-5 years in the wild.

Series of measured illustrations of the Gobbler Domestic Turkey
Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus)
Height:
25.6”-31.5” | 65-80 cm
Width:
59.1”-70.9” | 150-180 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
39.4”-49.2” | 100-125 cm
Depth:
Weight:
29.8-86 lb | 13.5-39 kg
Area:

Body Width: 15”-18.5” | 38-47 cm

Scientific Name
Meleagris gallopavo domesticus
Lifespan
5-6 months (Farm); 3-5 years (Wild)

Drawings include:

Domestic Turkey side view, front

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