The green junglefowl, also known as Javan junglefowl, forktail or green Javanese junglefowl, is the most distantly related and the first to diverge at least 4 million years ago among the four species of the junglefowl. Hybridization with domestic chicken has also been reported. Green junglefowl is a medium-sized bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs naturally on Java, Bali, and east through the Lesser Sunda Islands, including Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, and Flores. It favors dry open forests, scrub, savanna woodlands, and forest edge, often near cultivated land. Coastal habitats, including mangroves and beach fringes, are frequently used, and birds may forage along shorelines. The species roosts in trees and readily uses secondary growth and mosaic landscapes created by human activity.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The green junglefowl is the earliest diverging member of the junglefowl lineage and is endemic to Indonesia. Males have a striking, multicolored comb and iridescent, scale-like plumage. It hybridizes readily with domestic chickens; the famed Indonesian "bekisar" roosters are such hybrids, prized for their loud, flute-like calls historically used as signal birds. Despite adaptability, it faces pressure from habitat loss and trapping.
Gallus varius female
Green junglefowl male in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia.
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in small groups or harems led by a dominant male, with females and juveniles forming the core. Roosts communally in trees at night. Nests are shallow ground scrapes lined with leaves, and breeding often coincides with the monsoon. Males display with wing-shivering, crowing, and circling to court females.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male’s crow is clear and high-pitched, often described as flute-like and ringing. Calls carry well over open habitats and are used to advertise territory and attract mates.
