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 which consists of the pheasants and patridges, and including junglefowl (including chicken). These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad relatively short wings. Many have a spur on their legs.

Males of the larger species are often brightly coloured. The typical diet is seeds with some insects and berries.

Description

Phasianids are terrestrial. They range in weight from 43 g (1.5 oz) in the case of the king quail to 6 kg (13 lb) in the case of the Indian peafowl. If turkeys are included, rather than classified as a separate family, then the considerably heavier wild turkey reaches a maximum weight of more than 17 kg (37 lb). Length in this taxonomic family can vary from 12.5 cm (4.9 in) in the king quail up to 300 cm (120 in) (including elongated tail streamers) in green peafowl, thus they beat even the true parrots in length diversity within a family of birds. Generally, sexual dimorphism is seen in size, with males tending to be larger than females. They are generally plump, with broad, relatively short wings and strong legs. Many have a spur on their legs, a feature shared only with guineafowl and turkeys. The bill is short and generally strong, particularly in species that dig for food. Males of the larger species often have brightly coloured plumage, as well as facial ornaments such as wattles or crests.

Phylogeny

Living Galliformes based on the work by John Boyd.

See also

In Spanish: Phasianidae para niños