Phasianidae Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Phasianidae

Satyr Tragopan
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Galliformes
Family:	Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821
Genera
Many, see text

The Phasianidae is a family of birds that includes well-known birds like pheasants, partridges, and junglefowl (which are wild relatives of the chicken). These birds usually live on the ground. They come in many different sizes but are generally plump with broad, short wings. Many male birds in this family have a spur on their legs, which is a sharp, bony growth.

Males of the larger species often have very bright and colorful feathers. These birds typically eat seeds, but they also enjoy some insects and berries.

What are Phasianids Like?
- Body Features
Different Kinds of Phasianids
Images for kids
See also

What are Phasianids Like?

Phasianids are birds that live on the ground. They can be quite small, like the king quail which weighs only about 43 grams (1.5 ounces). Or they can be very large, like the Indian peafowl, which can weigh up to 6 kilograms (13 pounds). If we include wild turkeys in this family, they can be even heavier, sometimes over 17 kilograms (37 pounds)!

The length of these birds also varies a lot. The king quail is only about 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) long. But the green peafowl can be as long as 300 centimeters (118 inches) if you count its long tail feathers.

Body Features

Usually, male phasianids are bigger than females. They are generally plump birds with broad, fairly short wings and strong legs. Many of them have a spur on their legs, which is a bit like a sharp claw. Their bills are short and strong, especially for species that dig for their food.

Male birds of the larger species often have very colorful plumage (feathers). They might also have special features on their faces, like wattles (fleshy growths) or crests (tufts of feathers).

Different Kinds of Phasianids

The Phasianidae family is very diverse! It includes many different groups of birds that are related to each other. Scientists study how these birds are connected through their family tree, which is called phylogeny.

Some of the main groups you'll find in this family are:

Pheasants: Known for their long tails and colorful feathers, especially the males.
Partridges: Smaller, rounder birds that often live in open fields.
Junglefowl: These are the wild ancestors of our domestic chickens.
Peafowl: Famous for the male's stunning, fan-like tail feathers.
Turkeys: Large birds, well-known in North America.
Grouse: Birds that live in colder, often forested areas.

Scientists use special methods to figure out how all these birds are related. This helps us understand the history of life on Earth!