Most of us have seen these poultry more than once, but hardly thought about their biological classification. We believe that knowing more about these creatures will be more interesting than continuing to perceive them as a normal part of our lives. So, the topic of our article is chicken poultry.
Since this detachment has many dozens of species, and it would be inappropriate for us to consider each one, we will get acquainted with the features of only those that we have to meet in our latitudes and in households. Let's focus on a few of the most common poultry.
General description of the squad
The order of galliformes is numerous. It consists of several families, which, in turn, combine more than two hundred species. Galliformes are represented by:
- Guinea fowl.
- Pheasants.
- Turkeys.
- Big-legged (otherwise - weed chickens).
- Tree chickens.
- Black grouse.
As well as other species living all over the Earth, in a variety of natural conditions.
Representatives of these species are not very largeor small sizes. Poultry from the chick order is almost all of medium size.
The appearance of birds was formed depending on the habitat (more specifically, the surface of the earth and the totality of natural conditions on it). Since they are the prey of many predators, the color is often intended to mask the bird. They are distinguished by a small head, a dense body structure, a short neck, a small but strong beak. It is the main tool for obtaining food. It is seeds and vegetation.
Thanks to their wide and short wings, chickens can take off quickly, but noisily, in high tension. The legs of the representatives of the entire order of chickens are very strong.
These species are afraid of people and animals that hunt them. These birds are breeding successfully.
Gill birds cannot fly long distances. Only quail is an exception to the rule, being capable of a longer flight. But they have adapted to move well on the surface.
Characterized by a bright variety of colors of feathers. Females are smaller and more attractive than males. True, the latter characteristic is not inherent in all species. For example, male peacocks are more elaborately feathered, as are domestic roosters.
Representatives of galliformes are found on almost all continents. Next, we consider separately the species from the family of the chick order. We saw almost every bird, but knew very little about it.
Read more about the turkey family
The turkey was domesticatedAmericans. In Europe, she ended up at the beginning of the 16th century thanks to sailors. A distinctive feature of the turkey is its large size. The male is always larger than the female. The turkey is sometimes erroneously classified as a separate species, but this is not the case. An adult turkey can weigh 30 kg, females weigh less (5-10 kg).
There are wild turkeys (North and Central America).
Turkey attracts females with a bright beard, a skin process above the beak, and earrings on the sides. The head is covered with red growths (warts).
Turkeys come in several colors: white, gray with tints, black with white stains. When a turkey leks, its fan-shaped tail unfurls, its wings drop and drag along the ground. He himself makes a loud "cooing".
Features of peacocks
This bird is distinguished by plumage: it fascinates everyone with its fabulous beauty. Most often, peacocks are found in India and Sri Lanka. There is a crested peacock bird, Indochinese green peacocks, etc.
Plumage can be green, white, blue and sandy red. Peacocks are very agile, moving quickly through tropical forests. They have long been tamed and kept as decorations in zoos and backyards.
The tail feathers are especially beautiful. They decorate the interior and costumes. The tail of a peacock in loose form can reach 1.5-2 meters. The head of a peacock is decorated with a bright crest - just like a crown. Peacock feathers with a distinctive eye pattern.
About pheasants
Pheasant is a domestic bird from the order of chickens, related to cross-country. They quickly run away from danger and hide in the bushes. Pheasants are colorful and have long tails.
The female is less attractive and has a shorter, dull brown spotted tail. Feet of a pheasant with spurs. An adult weighs up to two kilograms. The pheasant lives in the reeds near the rivers, in the bushes near the forests. Males often fight among themselves over females.
Homemade guinea fowl
Most often guinea fowls are found in Africa. Both the female and the male have the same coloration. These birds are domesticated but can also be found in the wild. Guinea fowls have a gray speckled color.
They are distinguished by their short legs and tail. African guinea fowl are very famous. In size they reach the size of chickens. The domestic guinea fowl has a dark gray plumage with white and black spots. In case of danger, these birds run away or hide in the trees.
Bigfoot family
Bigfoot is found in Australia and the Philippines. They do not incubate eggs, but bury them in the soil, where they warm up under sunlight and heat. These birds live in tropical forests. They can take off and sit on trees.
Bigfoots are larger birds that look a bit like turkeys. They got their name because of their large and strong legs with powerful claws.
There are several types of biglegs: artisanal turkey, eye chicken, maleo, jungle chicken, etc.
Features of quails
This species is the smallest migratory bird of the chick order. Its weight can reach only 150 g. It can be recognized by its spotted brown back. The neck and chest of the quail are red, and the female is also variegated.
This bird species is found in Africa, Asia, Europe. It can live in mountainous and flat conditions. Wintering spends in the southern countries. Quail offspring incubate for 17 days. They feed on buds, seeds, and insects. To get food, the quail willingly and regularly rummages in the ground. Due to the harmful influence of man on nature, the number of quails has sharply decreased. It is now rare to hunt these birds.
Domestic quail can talk, making a kind of singing. Quail eggs are famous for their special properties. For this purpose, birds are bred in cages in large populations. The noise in the room with cages is extremely strong - with their cry, quails fill the space almost all the time, except at night when they sleep.
Conclusions
We have finished considering species in the article, which can be generally called chicken-like. More specifically, we focused on those that include poultry from the chicken order. The conclusions about it as a whole are as follows: these are mainly individuals of medium size, with powerful legs, flying only over short distances. The only exception is the noisy and prolific quail.
You can meet chickens all over the Earth, except for Antarctica, of course. They perfectly adapt to various conditions and at the same time are prolific. Together, these factors give a greater survivability to the squad.
Excellent peacocks, modestly feathered weed chickens, pheasants, ordinary chickens areonly a small part of the types of chicken with which we met. You can see with your own eyes how different nature has made them. A person uses chickens not only as a domestic meat bird, but also as a decoration for a personal plot. Often in zoos you can see how a luxurious bird calmly walks on the lawn. A peacock or a pheasant will please the eye of every visitor.
