The green junglefowl, aka Javan junglefowl, forktail, or green Javanese junglefowl, is a medium-sized bird that hails from the pheasant family. They were the first to diverge approximately 4 million years ago among the 4 recognized species of junglefowl. These birds don’t face any substantial threats, sans possible habitat loss, hunting, and trapping, and are thus listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Gallus varius
Weight: Up to 3.2 lbs.
Length: Up to 29.53 inches
Wingspan: Up to 29.53 inches
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Hybridizations have occurred with domestic chickens.
2.) These birds are sexually dimorphic in that the males are larger and more brightly colored than the females.
3.) They hail from Bali, Flores, Java, Komodo, Lombok, Rinca and the small islands connecting Java with Flores, Indonesia.
4.) Green junglefowls have also been introduced to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
5.) The green junglefowl can be found at elevations of up to 6,562 feet.
But wait, there’s more on the green junglefowl!
6.) Their preferred habitats are subtropical and tropical lowland moist forests, shrublands, arable lands, and coastal areas.
7.) They dwell in flocks of up to 5 individuals, led by a dominant male.
Did you know…?
Charles Darwin’s view was that these chickens have a single wild ancestor, the red junglefowl.
8.) Green junglefowls are diurnal (active during the day).
9.) During the breeding season dominant males with flocks are challenged by males without flocks. The males square up to each other, flap their wings, and attack one another with their sharp leg spurs.
10.) They feast on seeds, grains, fruits, and insects.
Now a Short Green Junglefowl Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: iNaturalist
