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red jungle fowl

bird
Also known as: Gallus gallus

Quick Summary

The red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) is an Asian bird from the family Phasianidae and is the ancestor of the domestic chicken. Males are characterized by a fleshy comb, wattles below the bill, and a high-arched tail, with colorful plumage. Females are typically rusty brown with a less prominent comb.12

These birds are known for their combativeness, with males using their leg spurs in fights, sometimes to the death. Their courtship involves the male displaying his colorful plumage towards the female. While generally monogamous, hens lay about 5–8 eggs. The gray jungle fowl (G. sonnerati) may have also contributed to the domestic chicken's ancestry.12

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