Phasianidae bird family

Order Galliformes · 13 selected species

Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.

ChukarAlectoris chukarBoldly-patterned quail-like bird, often in small flocks on dry rocky slopes with sparse grass and brush. Male and female similar. Overall pale sandy brownish-gray with bold black stripe on the face. Also look for red bill and legs and black stripes on sides. Usually seen scurrying around on the ground, but males perch conspicuously when singing, often on large rocks. Song is a series of scratchy notes; sounds like it’s saying its name with emphasis on the second syllable: “chuKAR, chuKAR, chuKAR.” Native to Asia and the Middle East, where range barely overlaps with any similar species; note creamy throat to help separate from Rock Partridge. Introduced and well-established in western North America, New Zealand, and Hawaii; escaped cage birds or hunting stock can occur elsewhere.

Common QuailCoturnix coturnixSmall pear-shaped gamebird. Breeds in taller grassland and grain fields from western Europe east to central Asia and winters in similar habitat in Africa, southern Europe, and South Asia. Rarely seen, and most often detected by male’s emphatic whistled "wet-my-lips!" song, which can be given at night. When flushed, explodes from underfoot and flies off strongly with whirring wingbeats and short glides. Plumage cryptic and streaky brown with pale eyebrow; male has black throat stripe. Very similar to Japanese Quail, whose male has a much darker face; females, immature birds, and domestic types (kept as captive for eggs and can escape) are probably not safely separable in the field.

Djibouti SpurfowlPternistis ochropectusAttractive francolin that is critically endangered and confined to a corner of Djibouti. The back is gray and the neck and underparts are heavily marked with rufous and gray. Also note the rufous cap and black face mask and eye-line. Found locally in woodland of juniper, acacia, and fig trees, at middle elevations. The common vocalization is a long, accelerating series of “krek” notes. Similar to Erckel’s Francolin, but doesn’t overlap in range.

Green PeafowlPavo muticusAn immense game bird of open tropical forests, often near water. Beautiful and unique within its range. Both sexes have glittering green necks, dark wings, and a dark green crest which is always held vertically. Males have the classic great train of the peacocks, which is opened and held up during courtship. Females have a short tail with no frilly plumes, but shares some of the train’s green iridescence. Males gather attendant flocks of many females, and advertise with a sad-sounding “awow-woh!”, often in the late evening or very early morning.

Indian PeafowlPavo cristatusAn unmistakable, large ground bird. The unmistakable iridescent blue male spreads out its ornamental upper tail feathers when courting females. Females have a shorter tail, an iridescent green neck, and browner plumage. Found in forest, forest edge, and agricultural land. Often seen on paths or alertly feeding in the undergrowth. Can be fairly confiding especially when found close to human habitation. Its loud screaming “may-yow” calls are heard incessantly during the rainy season.

Japanese QuailCoturnix japonicaA compact, cryptically-colored, very shy bird of grassy areas, including both natural meadows and some agricultural fields, where it remains hidden from view on the ground unless flushed at close range. Both sexes brown overall with a pale face, long white eyebrows, and subtle stippling and striping on the back and breast. Breeding males have a reddish-brown face and throat. Vocal mostly during the breeding season; males give a dry, explosive three-noted song from cover. Flushed birds fly with noisy, whistling wings, unlike crakes or shorebirds. Introduced to Hawaii, found on all of the main islands. A common avicultural bird, so escapees may occur around the world.

Red JunglefowlGallus gallusThis “original chicken” is smaller than its domestic descendants, and is widespread throughout South and Southeast Asia; can also be found as an introduced species in many regions around the world (especially prevalent on many Pacific Islands, including Hawaii). In its introduced range and some areas of its native range it has interbred widely with feral and domestic chickens, producing intermediate hybrids. Many of these birds cannot be distinguished from genuine wild-type birds. Within native range calls are useful for ID: the wild male’s crowing is hoarse and choked off towards the end, unlike the loud, vibrant calls of the domestic rooster.

Ring-necked PheasantPhasianus colchicusThis long-tailed game bird is native to Asia and has been introduced in many other parts of the world. Male has fleshy, red facial wattles, iridescent blue neck, and richly colored red and golden underparts with dark spots; his namesake white neck ring is indistinct on some birds. Female is buffy-brown, heavily marked with black, and usually shows some white markings around the eye. In much of its introduced range, including North America, there are no similar species. Elsewhere, note male’s blue neck and heavily spotted body, and female’s spotted or chevroned (not barred) underparts and mostly plain face lacking strong red markings. Found in farmland, scrub, and along the edge of forest, and often gives a loud, abrupt rasping call that draws attention to its presence. Japanese birds are now treated as a separate species, Green Pheasant.

Sand PartridgeAmmoperdix heyiA small, sandy-colored partridge of rocky arid zones. The male has a gray head with white ear patches and prominent bars on its sides. Females are plainer with more subdued patterns. Produces a high-pitched whistling noise from its wings when taking off. Runs on rocky slopes, wadis, and plains in pairs or small groups. The male gives a repeating, far-carrying “ku ku ku…”, often from a prominent rock.

Spruce GrouseCanachites canadensisQuiet and inconspicuous in coniferous forests, especially where moss covers the ground. Typically seen on ground or along roadsides, but can perch fairly high in trees. On male, look for red eyebrow, dark chest, and bold white spotting on sides and belly. Female is browner and more intricately patterned; best distinguished from other grouse by short tail and strong bars and spots on underparts. Feeds mainly on conifer seeds. Often confiding, allowing good views. “Franklin’s” population, found from Idaho to British Columbia, might be a separate species. Tail pattern and male displays differ.

Western CapercaillieTetrao urogallusHuge gamebird of conifer forest, adjacent moorland, and clearings with shrubs, mainly in wilder areas. Mostly elusive, but occasional males go "rogue" and attack hikers. Groups of males display just after dawn in early spring, holding their tail raised and fanned like a turkey. Massive male is blackish overall with long tail, white shoulder spot. Female appreciably smaller than male, told from smaller female Black Grouse by unbarred rusty breast and bright rusty tail with black bars.

Willow PtarmiganLagopus lagopusPlump, chickenlike bird of far northern climes; an adaptable species, residing in open tundra, forest clearings and edges, bogs, moorlands, and willow stands, sometimes even straying into farmland. Plumage changes dramatically throughout the year. In winter, both sexes are pure white with black outer tail feathers. As summer progresses, male develops rich rufous head and neck and brownish back; in winter, lacks black eyeline shown by Rock Ptarmigan. Summer female is paler golden-brown with intricate black and white markings. Female nearly identical to Rock Ptarmigan; look for slightly thicker bill. In western North America, compare with female White-tailed Ptarmigan, which lacks black outer tail feathers, has a colder summer plumage, and favors different habitats. Vocalizations include a comical nasal chuckle and various clucking notes. Subspecies on Great Britain and Ireland is known as “Red Grouse.”