Introduction
Sri Lanka, an island nestled in the Indian Ocean, is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its diverse and unique wildlife. Among the many captivating creatures that inhabit this tropical paradise, the Sri Lankan Junglefowl, also known as Gallus lafayettii, stands out as a true representation of the island’s natural beauty.
Besides Sri Lankan Junglefowl, there are three other Junglefowls:
- Red Junglefowl (Gallus Gallus)
- Grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii)
- Green Junglefowl (Gallus varius)
It’s fascinating to know that the Red Junglefowl is believed to be the ancestor of the domestic chicken. But for now, we’re going to focus on the Sri Lankan Junglefowl.
Sri Lankan Junglefowl Species
In the image above, you’ll see two Sri Lankan Junglefowls. The one on the left is a male, while the one on the right is a female.
Physical Characteristics
Sri Lankan Junglefowls are interesting birds where the males are larger than the females and have more vibrant colors. Their bodies are orange-red, and they have dark wings and tail that can look purple or black. They also have golden feathers running from their head down to the base of their spine, a face with red skin and wattles, and a comb that’s red with a yellow center. The females are smaller with brown plumage that has white patterns on the lower belly and breast, this helps them stay hidden when they’re nesting.
Habitat and Range
The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is a fascinating bird that calls Sri Lanka its home. This means it’s only found in Sri Lanka and doesn’t naturally live anywhere else in the world.
Geographic Distribution and Typical Habitats
Sri Lankan Junglefowls have made many different places on the island their home. You can find them in dry forests, areas near the coast, wet mountain forests, and even where tea is grown. They are commonly seen in forests and scrub habitats, and places like Kitulgala, Yala National Park, and Sinharaja Forest are often visited by these birds.
Factors Affecting Habitat Selection
- They like to live in places with lots of plants which gives them shelter and food. They spend most of their time on the ground but can fly if they need to.
- They live at different heights, from sea level all the way up to 2000 meters.
In-depth Look at the Sri Lankan Junglefowl
Daily Activities
Sri Lankan Junglefowls lead a fascinating life. They are primarily land-dwelling birds, spending most of their time on the ground. They are usually on the move in search of food during the morning and evening.
Diet
The Sri Lankan Junglefowl has a diverse diet that includes a variety of foods. These birds are omnivores and eat both plants and small animals. They feed on various seeds, grain, berries, and fallen fruit. They also consume a variety of small invertebrates including termites, ants, beetles, ticks, centipedes, grasshoppers and mollusks. Their method of finding food is quite unique. They scratch the ground in search of food just like a domestic chicken would do. This varied diet ensures they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Protective Behaviors
Sri Lankan Junglefowls have a unique way of protecting themselves when they feel threatened or disturbed. They can take off and fly to a place where they feel safe. While their flights are usually short, they can fly further if they’re in search of better food resources.
Night Routine
At night, these birds have a special routine. They roost up in trees. Roosting is when birds settle or congregate for rest or sleep. They can roost alone, in pairs, or even in small family groups. Roosting in trees helps them stay safe from predators.
Communication
Sri Lankan Junglefowls also communicate with each other. While looking for food on the ground, the male makes some short calls. It also makes a high-pitched rooster-like crow at dawn, often from a tree branch. The female also makes some sounds. The male is more vocal during the breeding season with advertising calls and various sounds during displays.
Mating Ritual
The mating rituals of the Sri Lankan Junglefowl are quite intriguing. They have the ability to mate at any time of the year, but they are most active from February to May. Male Junglefowls have a significant role in this process as they attract mates by fighting with rivals and showing off to females. This is a part of their courtship behavior that becomes more prominent during the breeding season. Females lay between two and four eggs in a nest that could be on the forest floor or in an abandoned nest of another bird or squirrel. Males also participate actively in protecting the nest and raising the chicks.
Conservation and Status
There are no ongoing conservation efforts for the Sri Lankan Junglefowl at this time because it is believed that the population is stable across the country. However, its habitat is under threat from deforestation and other human activities. The IUCN Red List has classified the Sri Lankan Junglefowl as “Least Concern”.
Conclusion
The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is a captivating and unique bird species that thrives in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka. With its vibrant plumage, diverse diet, and intriguing behaviors, this avian resident of the island has a significant role to play in the intricate web of its ecosystem.
From its daily foraging activities to its distinctive mating rituals, the Sri Lankan Junglefowl showcases the wonders of nature. It adapts to a range of habitats across the island, from the coastal regions to the dense mountain forests, highlighting its resilience and ability to coexist with various environments.
References:
- https://www.dilmahconservation.org/about-animals/birds–1ec117ffdac2077cef7904492db469c5/srilankanjunglefowl–9f2bc5bf25fb506d2d8ecd23ab46af93.html
- https://animalia.bio/sri-lankan-junglefowl
- https://sharetraveller.com/sri-lankan-junglefowl/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankan_junglefowl
- https://mnzoo.org/blog/animals/sri-lankan-junglefowl/