Grey Junglefowl

The Grey Junglefowl, also known as Sonnerat's Junglefowl, is a striking bird with a notable presence in the Indian wilderness. The male of the species boasts a black cape adorned with ochre spots, and its body plumage is a fine pattern set against a grey background. The elongated neck feathers, ending in a small, hard, yellowish plate, are particularly distinctive and have been utilized in the creation of high-grade artificial flies for fishing. The male also features red wattles and combs, though less pronounced than those of the Red Junglefowl, and sports red legs with spurs. The central tail feathers are long and sickle-shaped. During the summer, males may exhibit an eclipse plumage, shedding their colorful neck feathers. In contrast, the female is more subdued in coloration, with black and white streaking on the underparts and yellow legs.

Identification Tips

To identify the Grey Junglefowl, look for the male's unique neck feathers and the pattern of ochre spots on the black cape. The female can be recognized by her streaked underparts and yellow legs. Both sexes have a grey ground color, but the male's plumage is more vibrant.

Habitat

The Grey Junglefowl is typically found in the thickets of the forest floor and open scrub areas. It is a bird that thrives in the dense undergrowth of India's forests.

Distribution

Endemic to India, the Grey Junglefowl is primarily located in the peninsular region but extends into Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and southern Rajasthan. Its range is largely non-overlapping with that of the Red Junglefowl, except for a region of overlap in the Aravalli range.

Behaviour

The Grey Junglefowl is known for its loud and distinctive calls, which can be heard in the early mornings and at dusk. The male's call is a clear "Ku-kayak-kyuk-kyuk," and unlike the Red Junglefowl, it does not flap its wings before calling. Breeding occurs from February to May, with the female laying 4 to 7 pale creamy eggs in a scrape. The eggs hatch after about 21 days. Although primarily ground-dwelling, these birds will take to the trees to evade predators or to roost. They forage in small groups, feeding on grains, bamboo seeds, berries, insects, and termites.

Song & Calls

The male Grey Junglefowl's call is a distinctive "Ku-kayak-kyuk-kyuk," a sound that resonates through the forests at dawn and dusk.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Grey Junglefowl spans from February to May. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 7 pale creamy eggs, which incubate for approximately 21 days.

Similar Species

The Grey Junglefowl may be confused with the Red Junglefowl, but can be distinguished by the male's unique neck feathers and the absence of wing-flapping before its call.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Grey Junglefowl includes grains, bamboo seeds, berries, insects, and termites. They forage on the ground in small groups, often scratching at the soil to uncover food.

Conservation status

The Grey Junglefowl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.