Landfowl

Landfowl are mainly birds that live on the ground. They have strong bodies, short rounded wings, and powerful legs designed for scratching and walking. Most have a stocky shape with relatively small heads and thick bills made for eating seeds and plants. Males and females look quite different, with males usually having bright, showy feathers and performing elaborate courtship displays, while females have duller colours that help them blend in. These birds are found all over the world except in Antarctica. They live in a wide range of places, from tropical forests to mountain meadows and farmland. In Britain, examples include the Red Grouse and Grey Partridge. There are also introduced birds like the Pheasant, which are now common. Most landfowl are not good at flying. They prefer to run away from danger and only fly when they have to, using fast wingbeats followed by gliding. Landfowl mainly search for food on the ground and often gather in groups called coveys when they are not breeding.