Gamefowl | Galliformes

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.

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.

Gamefowl Guides
Browse through our curated Gamefowl Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Gamefowl. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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
Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo)
Scale illustration of an average Maleo compared to other gamefowl species

The Maleo (Macrocephalo maleo) is a large gamefowl with black plumage and yellow facial skin. It also has a red-orange beak, a prominent dark bony crown, and gray-blue feet. The Maleo is native to Sulawesi and the Buton Island in Indonesia. It likes to inhabit the lowland and hill rainforests and nests on beaches, river banks, or lake shores. The Maleo feeds off fruits, seeds, ants, termites, beetles, mollusks, and other small invertebrates. Unfortunately, the Maleo is critically endangered to extinction due the harvesting of its eggs by local communities that has led to it abandoning its nesting sites.

The Maleo has a wingspan in the range of 11.8”-13.4” (30-34 cm) and total weight of 2.9-4 lb (1.3-1.8 kg). The body of the Maleo has an overall length between 21.7”-23.6” (55-60 cm), body width of 6.7”-7.5” (17-19 cm), and standing height of roughly 16.1”-18.5” (41-47 cm). The typical lifespan of the Maleo is between 16-23 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Maleo
The Maleo (Macrocephalo maleo) is a large gamefowl with black plumage and yellow facial skin. It also has a red-orange beak, a prominent dark bony crown, and gray-blue feet. The Maleo is native to Sulawesi and the Buton Island in Indonesia. It likes to inhabit the lowland and hill rainforests.

The Maleo has a wingspan in the range of 11.8”-13.4” (30-34 cm) and total weight of 2.9-4 lb (1.3-1.8 kg). The body of the Maleo has an overall length between 21.7”-23.6” (55-60 cm), body width of 6.7”-7.5” (17-19 cm), and standing height of roughly 16.1”-18.5” (41-47 cm). The typical lifespan of the Maleo is between 16-23 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Maleo
Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo)
Height:
16.1”-18.5” | 41-47 cm
Width:
11.8”-13.4” | 30-34 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
21.7”-23.6” | 55-60 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.9-4 lb | 1.3-1.8 kg
Area:

Body Width: 6.7”-7.5” | 17-19 cm

Scientific Name
Macrocephalon maleo
Lifespan
16-23 years

Drawings include:

Maleo side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Scale illustration of an average Ruffed Grouse compared to other gamefowl species

The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a non-migratory medium sized gamefowl. It has 2 distinct plumage colors – gray and brown with white on its underside. Due to its neutral colored plumage it is able to easily blend into its surroundings. It is easily recognized by its drumming sound it creates by beating the air with its wings. The Ruffed Grouse is native to the Appalachian Mountains from across Canada to Alaska. It is an omnivore and eats buds, leaves, berries, seeds, and insects. The Ruffed Grouse can digest toxic plants that other birds are not able to digest.

The Ruffed Grouse has a wingspan in the range of 22”-25.2” (56-64 cm) and total weight of 1-1.65 lb (.45-.75 kg). The body of the Ruffed Grouse has an overall length between 16.9”-18.1” (43-46 cm), body width of 4.3”-4.7” (11-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 10.4”-11.2” (26.5-28.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruffed Grouse is between 1-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Ruffed Grouse
The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a non-migratory medium sized gamefowl. It has 2 distinct plumage colors – gray and brown with white on its underside. Due to its neutral colored plumage it is able to easily blend into its surroundings. It is easily recognized by its drumming sound.

The Ruffed Grouse has a wingspan in the range of 22”-25.2” (56-64 cm) and total weight of 1-1.65 lb (.45-.75 kg). The body of the Ruffed Grouse has an overall length between 16.9”-18.1” (43-46 cm), body width of 4.3”-4.7” (11-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 10.4”-11.2” (26.5-28.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruffed Grouse is between 1-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Height:
10.4”-11.2” | 26.5-28.5 cm
Width:
22”-25.2” | 56-64 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
16.9”-18.1” | 43-46 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-1.65 lb | .45-.75 kg
Area:

Body Width: 4.3”-4.7” | 11-12 cm

Scientific Name
Bonasa umbellus
Lifespan
1-3 years

Drawings include:

Ruffed Grouse side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor)
Scale illustration of an average Green Pheasant compared to other gamefowl species

The Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) also referred to as the Japanese Green Pheasant, is the national bird of Japan. The male Green Pheasant has a dark green plumage on its breast, neck, mantle, and flanks. The female Green Pheasant is smaller, has a shorter tail, and brown-black plumage with a dark brown feather fringed pale brown. It is native to the Japanese archipelago. It became a domesticated gamebird once it was introduced to North America and Hawaii. The diet of the Green Pheasant consists of small animals, worms, insects, grains, and plants. In captivity it is fed pellets, seeds, plants, and live food.

The Green Pheasant has a wingspan in the range of 22”-33.9” (56-86 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.1 lb (.7-1.4 kg). The body of the Green Pheasant has an overall length between 22”-35.4” (56-90 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.9” (13-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 12.6”-19.7” (32-50 cm). The typical lifespan of the Green Pheasant is between 2-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Green Pheasant
The Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) also referred to as the Japanese Green Pheasant, is the national bird of Japan. The male Green Pheasant has a dark green plumage on its breast, neck, mantle, and flanks. The female Green Pheasant is smaller, has a shorter tail, and brown-black plumage.

The Green Pheasant has a wingspan in the range of 22”-33.9” (56-86 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.1 lb (.7-1.4 kg). The body of the Green Pheasant has an overall length between 22”-35.4” (56-90 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.9” (13-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 12.6”-19.7” (32-50 cm). The typical lifespan of the Green Pheasant is between 2-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Green Pheasant
Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor)
Height:
12.6”-19.7” | 32-50 cm
Width:
22”-33.9” | 56-86 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
22”-35.4” | 56-90 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-3.1 lb | .7-1.4 kg
Area:

Body Width: 5.1”-7.9” | 13-20 cm

Scientific Name
Phasianus versicolor
Lifespan
2-3 years

Drawings include:

Green Pheasant side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
Scale illustration of an average Indian Peafowl compared to other gamefowl species

The Indian Peafowl (Pavo criastus) also referred to as the Blue Peafowl, is a brightly colored gamebird. The male Indian Peafowl is brightly colored and has blue fan-like feathers. It is known for its long train made up of tall covert feathers that have colorful eyespots. The female Indian Peafowl doesn’t have the train as it has a green lower neck, and a dull brown plumage. The Indian Peafowl is native to India and Sri Lanka in South Asia. In other countries it is typically seen in parks, zoos, and nature centers. The Indian Peafowl is omnivorous and eats insects, fruits, small mammals, and reptiles.

The Indian Peafowl has a wingspan in the range of 55.1”-63” (140-160 cm) and total weight of 6.1-13.2 lb (2.75-6 kg). The body of the Indian Peafowl has an overall length between 76.8”-88.6” (195-225 cm), body length of 39.4”-45.3” (100-115 cm), body width of 6.5”-7.9” (16.5-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 26.4”-30.7” (67-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Indian Peafowl is between 10-25 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Indian Peafowl
The Indian Peafowl (Pavo criastus) also referred to as the Blue Peafowl, is a brightly colored gamebird. The male Indian Peafowl is brightly colored and has blue fan-like feathers. It is known for its long train made up of tall covert feathers that have colorful eyespots.

The Indian Peafowl has a wingspan in the range of 55.1”-63” (140-160 cm) and total weight of 6.1-13.2 lb (2.75-6 kg). The body of the Indian Peafowl has an overall length between 76.8”-88.6” (195-225 cm), body length of 39.4”-45.3” (100-115 cm), body width of 6.5”-7.9” (16.5-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 26.4”-30.7” (67-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Indian Peafowl is between 10-25 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Indian Peafowl
Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
Height:
26.4”-30.7” | 67-78 cm
Width:
55.1”-63” | 140-160 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
39.4”-45.3” | 100-115 cm (Body); 76.8”-88.6” | 195-225 cm (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
6.1-13.2 lb | 2.75-6 kg
Area:

Body Width: 6.5”-7.9” | 16.5-20 cm

Scientific Name
Pavo cristatus
Lifespan
10-25 years

Drawings include:

Indian Peafowl side view, front, flying, display

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Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)
Comparison drawing of the Mountain Quail compared to other gamefowl

The Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) is a small ground-dwelling gamebird with short wings and long featherless legs. It is characterized by its top knots that are shorter in the female Mountain Quail. The Mountain Quail has a brown face, gray breast, brown back, and white underside. Its habitat ranges from the Rocky Mountains in the United States to Baja Peninsula in Mexico. A Mountain Quail is typically found in altitudes of up to 9,800 ft (3,000 m). The diet of the Mountain Quail is mostly made up of plant matter and seeds. A chick may eat insects and more plant matter as it matures.

The Mountain Quail has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .42-.64 lb (.19-.29 kg). The body of the Mountain Quail has an overall length between 10.2”-11” (26-28 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.15” (7-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.9”-8.9” (20-22.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mountain Quail is between 2-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Mountain Quail
The Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) is a small ground-dwelling gamebird with short wings and long featherless legs. It is characterized by its top knots that are shorter in the female Mountain Quail. The Mountain Quail has a brown face, gray breast, brown back, and white underside.

The Mountain Quail has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .42-.64 lb (.19-.29 kg). The body of the Mountain Quail has an overall length between 10.2”-11” (26-28 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.15” (7-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.9”-8.9” (20-22.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mountain Quail is between 2-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Mountain Quail
Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)
Height:
7.9”-8.9” | 20-22.5 cm
Width:
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
10.2”-11” | 26-28 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.42-.64 lb | .19-.29 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.75”-3.15” | 7-8 cm

Scientific Name
Oreortyx pictus
Lifespan
2-4 years

Drawings include:

Mountain Quail side view, front, flying (assorted)

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