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Where are galliform birds found around the world?
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Galliform
Blue, or Indian, peacock (Pavo cristatus) displaying its resplendent feathers.
Galliform birds, also known as gallinaceous or fowl-like birds, are found across the globe, though their distribution varies by family.12
- Phasianidae (including pheasants, quail, chickens, and turkeys): This family is found virtually worldwide, with the notable exceptions of the northernmost regions of Eurasia, the southern third of South America, and certain oceanic islands.1
- Cracidae (chachalacas, guans, and curassows): These are native to the New World tropics and subtropics, ranging from southern Texas to Paraguay.1
- Tetraonidae (grouse): These birds inhabit North America and northern Eurasia.1
- Megapodiidae (megapodes): This group is found from Australia and the East Indies to central Polynesia.1
- Numididae (guinea fowl): These are native to Africa south of the Sahara and Madagascar.1
Galliforms occupy diverse environments, ranging from dense tropical forests and scrublands to open grasslands and tundra.3