Sri Lanka junglefowl  (Gallus lafayetii)

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).

The handsome cocks of this endemic species, the national bird of Sri Lanka (3), are remarkably similar to those of domestic chickens (4). The longish plumage on the breast and upperparts is mainly a rich, fiery yellow to coppery orange with golden streaks, while the abdomen, flanks and bushy tail are a dark metallic purplish-black (2) (4) (5). The bare facial skin and two lappets hanging from the throat are red, and a fleshy red crest (comb) with central yellow patch adorns the crown (4) (5). In summer, after the main breeding season, males slowly moult and their comb shrinks in size (5). The female is much smaller than the male and has no lappets and only a tiny comb, a small purplish-black lump behind the beak (6). The hen is mostly brown with a darker tail and bold brown and buff barring on the wings (2) (5).

Native to Sri Lanka (7).

Found in a variety of habitats from coastal scrub to mountain forest, anywhere between sea level and 2,000 m (2). Although wary of man and normally not venturing far from cover, this bird will visit cultivated areas and plantations in search of food (7), and likes to frequent open places in wet weather, such as roadsides or glades, in order to feed free from drippings trees (3).

Sri Lanka junglefowl roost in trees, usually singly but sometimes in pairs or family parties, and spend much of the day on the ground (3), foraging in the morning and evening along open tracks in the forest. This bird feeds on grain, weed seeds, berries, flowers, various succulent leaves and buds, and a large proportion of small animals, such as termites, beetles, woodlice, crickets and centipedes (2) (3). Animal matter forms the bulk of the diet for chicks (3).

While the main breeding season is from February to May, a second clutch is often laid in August to September, and breeding appears to go on throughout the year (2) (3). Nests are constructed in a variety of locations, but typically occur on the ground amongst bushes or under logs, although use of a deserted squirrel and crows nest have been recorded, several metres above the ground. Clutches normally consist of two to four eggs, incubated for 20 to 21 days (in captivity) (2). The chicks are well developed and learn to scratch for food as soon as they leave the nest, although they will instantly scatter and hide at their mother’s alarm call (3).

The Sri Lanka junglefowl is not currently threatened, and appears to tolerate human disturbance and habitat degradation well (2).

There are currently no conservation measures targeting this species.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more information on the Sri Lanka junglefowl. see:

• del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (1994) Handbook of the Birds of the World - New World Vultures To Guineafowl. Vol. 2. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

For more information on conservation in Sri Lanka, see:

• Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society:
  http://www.slwcs.org/

For more information on this and other bird species please see:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org