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Sri Lankan Junglefowl

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 5-10 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 12 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 66-73 cm (26-29 inches)
  • Weight: Around 0.79-1.52 kg (1.7-3.4 lbs)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Sri Lanka.
  • Habitat: Found in a variety of forest types, including rainforests, dry evergreen forests, and occasionally in scrubland and plantations.
Diet

  • Fruits and Seeds: A significant part of their diet.

  • Leaves and Flowers: Consumed when fruits are scarce.

  • Insects and Small Vertebrates: such as ants, beetles, and termites, and occasionally consume small vertebrates like lizards and frogs to meet their protein requirements.

  • Human Food: Often scavenged from agricultural crops and urban areas.

Sri Lankan Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii)

The Sri Lankan Junglefowl, a vibrant and captivating bird, is a prominent symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. This bird, also known as the Ceylon Junglefowl, is the national bird of Sri Lanka and is renowned for its striking appearance and distinctive behaviors.

Physical Characteristics: The Sri Lankan Junglefowl exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing significantly in appearance. Males boast vivid colors, including a bright red comb and face, a golden mane, and a vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow plumage on their body. Females, in contrast, have more subdued colors with shades of brown and gray, which provide excellent camouflage. Males typically measure around 66-73 cm (26-29 inches) in length, while females are slightly smaller, averaging 35-40 cm (14-16 inches).

Habitat: This species is native to Sri Lanka and inhabits a variety of forest types, including rainforests, dry lowland forests, and scrublands. They are commonly found in the central and southern regions of the island, thriving in both protected areas and agricultural lands where they can forage.

Diet: The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is omnivorous, with a diet that includes:

  • Seeds and grains: Their primary food source.
  • Insects: Such as ants, beetles, and termites.
  • Fruits: Berries and other small fruits from forest vegetation.
  • Small reptiles and amphibians: Occasionally consumed for protein.

They forage on the ground, scratching the soil to uncover food items, much like their domestic counterparts.

Behavior: These birds are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males use their vibrant plumage and loud calls to attract females. The male performs a series of movements, including wing-flapping and crowing, to court the female. They are territorial, with males defending their area from rivals. The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is typically seen in small family groups or pairs.

Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lankan Junglefowl has a stable population. However, habitat destruction and hybridization with domestic chickens pose potential threats that require continuous monitoring and conservation efforts.

Lifespan: In the wild, Sri Lankan Junglefowl typically live around 5-10 years, though this can vary based on environmental conditions and predation pressures. In captivity, with optimal care, they can live up to 15 years.