JUNGLEFOWL Meaning and
Definition
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Junglefowl refers to any of various small to medium-sized birds belonging to the genus Gallus, which is a member of the family Phasianidae. They are native to the forests, woodlands, and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia. The term "junglefowl" is primarily used to describe two distinct species: the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and the Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii).
Red junglefowl, which is the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken, is characterized by its colorful plumage, with males exhibiting brilliant red or orange coloring and long, flowing tail feathers. Females, on the other hand, are generally more subdued in appearance, with a mottled brown plumage for camouflage. Sri Lankan junglefowl, also known as Ceylon junglefowl, is endemic to Sri Lanka and features a distinct combination of colorful plumage, mainly consisting of bright orange or rusty red feathers.
Junglefowl are ground-dwelling birds and are primarily omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, insects, small reptiles, and small mammals. They possess strong legs and feet adapted for scratching the ground in search of food. Junglefowl are known for their loud and distinctive calls, particularly the male's crowing, which is often associated with dawn and territorial display.
These birds play an important ecological role in seed dispersal and insect control, contributing to the balance of their respective ecosystems. Additionally, due to their vibrant plumage, junglefowl have been of interest for aviculture and have been selectively bred to develop various domestic chicken breeds around the world.
Etymology of JUNGLEFOWL
The word "junglefowl" is a compound word formed from two main components: "jungle" and "fowl".
1. "Jungle": The word "jungle" originates from the Hindi word "jangal", meaning "wild, uncultivated land" or "forest". It was later adopted into English during the colonial period with the same meaning.
2. "Fowl": The term "fowl" is a Middle English word derived from the Old English word "fugol". "Fowl" is a generic term for birds, particularly domesticated ones. It can refer to any bird used for food, irrespective of species.
Combining these two components, "junglefowl" refers to a bird species found in the wild or in forests. Specifically, it is often used to describe the wild ancestors of domesticated chickens, known as the genus Gallus.
