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Green Junglefowl

on 23rd February 2010

Dr Eric Tan a.k.a. MountainMan photographed the Green Junglefowl (Gallus varius) at the Bali Barat National Park in Bali, Indonesia on 22nd January 2010.

This handsome junglefowl is confined to Java and the neighbouring islands of Lesser Sundas E to Flores, Sumba and Alor. Although not globally threatened, because the bird is commonly found around human settlements, especially in the heavily populated areas of Java, the long term survival of the species is in question. This junglefowl is overexploited as it is trapped for the pet trade, the male being prized for vocal competitions. Also, there is much hybridisation with the domestic fowl.

The male Green Junglefowl is instantly recognised by his differently coloured scaled plumage and the multicoloured comb and hackles. Another conspicuous feature is the presence of spurs, found only in the males (above: right leg).

Very little is known about its food and feeding habits, although it is known that these birds take insects and weed seeds. Again, its breeding behaviour is generally unknown.

Reference:
McGowan, P. J. K., 1994. Family Phasianidae (Pheasants and Partridges). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 2. New world vultures to guineafowl. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 434-552.

This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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