Gallus gallus
can grow tail feathers 11 inches long.
The red jungle fowl has been domesticated around the world for meat and egg production. Its scientific name is Gallus gallus. At one time its feathers were used for pillows and blankets. There are still many living in the wild. This bird has a short memory but can find its own food easily. This makes caring for the red jungle fowl easy. There are many distinctive characteristics that make the red jungle fowl easy to spot.
Physical Charcteristics
The feathers on this bird are brown, red, gold, dark maroon and orange. Feathers also feature metallic green and grey specks. Both sides of the head have two ear-shaped white patches. The legs and feet are gray. This rooster can reach 27 inches in length, and has 14 tail feathers. June through October, the rooster molts its bright multicolored feathers. During this time it will be dominantly orange with black back feathers.
Eating Habits
The red jungle fowl is an omnivore, eating both vegetation and insects. It prefers vegetation that is found on the ground like corn, seeds, grains and grass. Invertebrates like worms, winged ants and termites are favorites of this rooster. A red jungle fowl does not taste sweet flavors and detests the taste of salt. This bird eats with others in large groups.
Social Behavior
The red jungle fowl species has a pecking order. There is one dominant rooster for the group. To show dominance the rooster lifts its head and tail. To show submission the rooster crouches down, lowers its head and tail, and tilts its head to one side. Cocks wait for hens to get a safe distance away before fighting. Once a head cock is killed, the next in line takes charge. This behavior is taught to chicks during their first few months of life.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical terrains with elevations up to 8,000 feet above sea level host this bird. This includes secondary forests, scrub lands, mangroves and plantations. The red jungle fowl is native to Asia but is now found worldwide.
Reproduction
Spring is breeding season for a red jungle fowl. There is one dominant male to a few different hens. The hens lay four to six eggs in a clutch. A hen incubates the eggs for three to four weeks until they hatch. For the first 12 weeks, the chicks learn to behave and survive. After that time the mother pushes the chicks out to join their own social group.
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