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Why are most galliform birds unable to fly long distances?
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Galliform
Blue, or Indian, peacock (Pavo cristatus) displaying its resplendent feathers.
Most galliform birds are unable to fly long distances primarily because they are heavy-bodied and possess short, rounded wings. These physical characteristics, combined with their strong, four-toed feet, indicate that these birds are primarily adapted for life on the ground rather than for sustained aerial travel. Consequently, most galliforms are sedentary, nonmigratory birds whose flight is fast but rarely sustained.1