Jungle Fowl

Indian Jungle Fowl is any of four Asian Birds of the genus Gallus, family Phasianidae (order- Galliformes). Indian Jungle fowl are the ancestors of domestic chickens, and in their native Aisa, they live in groups consisting of the dominant rooster, one or more subordinate rooster, hens, and their chick. The male Indian wild jungle fowl are perfectly ornamented with colorful feathers and a bright red fleshy comb, and both male and female choices of particular males have been established in this species. Jungle fowl rapidly adapt to captivity because of their similarity to domestic poultry; they have been largely used in studies of the effects of parasites on sexual selection.

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Indian Jungle Fowl Description

Among all the secondary sexual characteristics, male wild jungle fowl retains the most significant in mate preference seems to be the size and color of the comb and color of the male’s eyes which ranges from pale yellow to bright orange.  The color and length of the ornamental feathers take no significance as much to females in selecting a mate, although larger males are more likely to win fights with other roosters, and hens do not seem to prefer larger males. The strategies used by females are specifically interesting because they are dependent on the condition. In other words, they change rapidly depending on the physical conditions of the bearer. Comb size and color can change in a couple of days, but feathers molt only once a year and are fixed after that.  Condition-dependent strategies used by the females are considered to be important in sexual selection because this enables females to assess male qualities in a fine-tuned way.

When a group of jungle fowl chicks was given a common infection of common intestinal roundworm parasites, they grew more slowly and had less well-developed secondary sexual characteristics than a  control uninfected group of birds. Eventually, the infected males were able to reach the uninfected roosters in body size, but parasites seem to exert a long-lasting effect on those strategies that were used by females while selecting a mate,  and hens were much less likely to mate with a parasitized male.

Indian Red Jungle Fowl

Among all the secondary sexual characteristics male wild jungle fowl retains, the most significant characteristics in mate preference seems to be the size and color of the comb and color of the male’s eyes which ranges from pale yellow to bright orange.  The color and length of the ornamental feathers take no significance as much to females in selecting a mate, although larger males are more likely to win fights with other roosters, and hens do not seem to prefer larger males. The strategies used by females are specifically interesting because they are dependent on the condition. In other words, they change rapidly depending on the physical conditions of the bearer. Comb size and color can change in a couple of days, but feathers molt only once a year and are fixed after that.  Condition-dependent strategies used by the females are considered to be important in sexual selection because this enables females to assess male qualities in a fine-tuned way.

When a group of jungle fowl chicks was given a common infection of common intestinal roundworm parasites, they grew more slowly and had less well-developed secondary sexual characteristics than a  control uninfected group of birds. Eventually, the infected males were able to reach the uninfected roosters in body size, but parasites seem to exert a long-lasting effect on those strategies that were used by females while selecting a mate,  and hens were much less likely to mate with a parasitized male.

Background

All members of the Gallus genus are considered Jungle fowl. This Jungle Flow species belongs to the family Phasianidae. Other commonly known members of the Phasianidae include the pheasant, peacock, quail, grouse, and partridge. The domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is penetrated from the red junglefowl  Having been tamed for over 4,000 years, there are now several breeds of domestic chickens. Large-scale production of chicken eggs and meat began in the 1800s. 

Physical Appearances

The adult Indian Red Jungle Fowl is 41- 46 cm (female) or 65 - 78 (male)  long.  The head of the cock has ear wattles and a red comb. The neck is yellow with a white reddish back. The underparts are dark with grey feet whereas the wing feathers and the arched tail are white glossy. They have a total number of 14 feathers. Its tail is approximately 28 cm in length. The plumage of this jungle fowl species is red, gold, brown, orange, dark maroon, green and gray in color.

Two white patches, shaped like an ear, appear on either side of the head. The red jungle fowl species can be distinguished from other species not only by these white patches but also by the greyish feet. In Singapore and Malaysia, another distinguishing feature of these species is the white ear wattles.

Habitat

The Red Jungle Fowl species are mostly found in an area with a mix of both open ground and close vegetation, and may also travel through the forest to other clearing or food sources. The jungle fowl species is present from the Western Himalayas to southern China and throughout Southeast Asia. These birds also have been introduced as a wild species on many islands throughout the Pacific Ocean, as well as in Eastern Australia. 

Diet 

The Red Jungle Fowl species are omnivores by nature. They feed on seeds, crops, fruits, roots, and tubers.  Their staple diet includes insects, specifically termites and winged ants that emerge at dawn and dusk. They also rake the ground in search of invertebrates, fruits, roots, and seeds. They explore in large parties that may include multiple family groups.

Behavior

The Red Jungle Fowl are shy game birds that can easily get frightened and run away into low lights. These birds are strong fliers, dwell the whole night in trees, and feed on the ground, scratching in leaf debris and dirt while combing. During the non-breeding season, they mixed flocks with other game birds, though during the breeding season they are highly provincial and will develop a stratified "pecking order" among birds in the same flock. Accommodating birds will squat before more dominant birds, which will stand taller and more striking with the tail raised.

Red Jungle Fowl Chicks

The Red Jungle Fowl are territorial and manage a harem of 3-5 females. Including adolescents, the group can reach up to 20. The male usually performs courtship customs to attract a female. She builds a nest by eliminating a hollow on the ground in a dense bush of vegetation and lays 5-6 beige to pale reddish-brown eggs. She incubates the eggs solely. These hatch in about three weeks. The downy buff-colored chicks can roam around and follow their mother in a few hours. She closely keeps them with herself to cover until they are well grown. They are fully grown in about 12 days.

Red Jungle Fowl Chicks Status And Threats

The Red junglefowl is recorded as 'Endangered' in the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore. These birds are not only affected by habitat loss but also by encroaching and interbreeding with domesticated chickens. They are found throughout India to Southern China, and also throughout Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Bali.

Reproduction

The Red Jungle Fowl breeding season is summer and spring. The chick starts its life in the warmth of the summer sun. One egg is laid each day. The chick will develop inside the egg for twenty-one days before hatching. The heart and blood vessel of the chick emerges and starts to work on the first day. All the organs of the upcoming chick are presented by the fourth day. The external sex structure developed on the fifth day. The skeleton begins to harden using the calcium from the eggshell. From the time when the egg is laid until hatching, the cheeks feed on the yolk that gathers around him. The yolk develops in the chick's body by the abdomen. On twenty-day, the chick is now completely well-developed. It starts to break through his thin shell. This process can take place anywhere from ten to twenty-four hours. 

The chick gets fully feathers by four to five weeks of age.  Their first adult wing feathers take another four weeks to grow. The mother chases their chick out of the group when they get twelve weeks old. They further move forward to form their own group or join another. The chick reaches sexual maturity at five months old. The females reach their sexual maturity a little later than males.

Uses 

Domestic chickens are commonly raised for their eggs and meat, and feather dusters are commonly made of chicken feathers.  The blood of Red Jungle Fowl chickens is used in medicinal and mystical preparations. Black chickens are observed to have curative properties. Cockfighting used to be a popular sport throughout the world. 

How To Find Wild Red Jungle Fowl?

Birds who are looking to include a true wild red jungle fowl in their life will need to visit their native bird range with relatively uninterrupted forest or forest edge habitat. Hearing for the popular chicken-like call can help to locate these birds and as the Red Jungle Fowl is a wary bird, they can be easily found in the areas that have reliable food and water sources. Red Jungle Fowl can be easily found in the early morning when the male is more focal and the entire flock may be feeding more attentively.

Fun Facts

• Red Jungle Fowls are the ancestors of all the domestic chickens. 

• Indian Red Jungle Fowls were first domesticated in Asia.

• Red Jungle Fowl regularly take their bath in the dust to keep the accurate balance of oil in their plumage. 

• Red Jungle Fowl are shy birds that are frightened easily and when threatened will rush or flush into a low fight.

• Red Jungle Fowl are omnivores and will take advantage of a wide range of food sources. 

• A female Red Jungle Fowl will nurture a brood of three to seven pale, cream, or light brown eggs for 18 to 21 days.

• Red Jungle Fowl may roam around at a greater distance in search of food, specifically during the period of droughts or other times when food preferred may be scarce.

• The Red Jungle Fowl were domesticated to develop the domestic chicken around 8000 years ago.