Red Junglefowl

birds · Southeast Asia · farm animals

Ancestor of chickens. Red junglefowl are the wild birds that humans domesticated thousands of years ago to create all the chickens we know today. They still live wild in forests across Southeast Asia.

Tropical forest home. These birds thrive in the hot, humid forests and jungles of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. They love areas with plenty of trees and plants where they can hide and find food.

Brilliant red plumage. Males have spectacular golden and red feathers that shimmer in the sunlight, while females are more brownish. The males use their bright colors to impress females during mating season.

Loud morning call. Red junglefowl are famous for their loud crowing sounds that echo through the jungle at dawn. Just like farm roosters, they announce the start of each day with their distinctive calls.

Ground foragers. These birds spend most of their time on the forest floor searching for seeds, insects, and plants to eat. They use their strong legs and claws to scratch and dig through fallen leaves and soil.