From Opus

Gallus sonneratii

Photo by atanumondal
Photographed: Bandipur, India.

[edit] Identification

Resembles a domestic chicken. The male is up to 80cm, the female much smaller (38cm).
The male has a ochre-spotted black cape which is very distinctive. Its body is finely patterned, the wings and tail black, the latter with long and narrow central rectrices. The legs are red. In summer the rectrices are lacking, the comb and wattles are duller and the cape is replaced by brownish feathers.
The female looks similar to the Red Junglefowl but has distinctive black and white streaked underparts and a paler face.

[edit] Distribution

Endemic to peninsular India: From Gujarat and southern Rajasthan to Andhra Pradesh and south throughout the subcontinent.

[edit] Taxonomy

• A monotypic species.
• Forms a superspecies with Red Junglefowl and Ceylon Junglefowl. Reported local hybridization with Red Junglefowl.

[edit] Habitat

May occur in all types of forest, evergreen, mixed and deciduous. Also in abandoned plantations (rubber, coffee or tea). Common in the foothills, but also up to 2400m in the Nilgiris.

[edit] Behaviour

Quite shy but often seen along roadsides or crossing paths. Usually in small mixed or single-sexed groups.
Breeds throughout the year but mainly from February to May. The nest is made in a small hollow next to some cover and 4-5 eggs are laid.
Feeds on seeds (favours bamboo), tubers, berries, various insects and small reptiles.
The Grey Junglefowl is not migrating, however some seasonal movement in response of the food situation may occur.

[edit] External Links