Domestic Chicken

Gallus gallus

Genus · Junglefowl Family · Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
BackyardFarm buildingsFarmland

Look for feral populations in botanical gardens and parks, especially in Mediterranean regions. Males are hard to miss thanks to their loud crowing.

Domestic Chicken

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan45–75 cm
Weight500–3000 g
Length40–75 cm
Lifespan wild3–8 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size4–12 eggs
Incubation20–21 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🌾Grain
🌱Grass
🦗Insects
🦎Reptiles
🌻Seeds
🪱Worms

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🏡 Garden🏜️ Scrub wasteland🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

The chicken was the first bird to have its genome fully sequenced. It provided key genetic evidence that all birds are living descendants of theropod dinosaurs.

About

The domestic chicken is the world's most common bird and the domesticated descendant of the Red Junglefowl of South Asia. In Europe, feral and semi-feral populations can be found in parks, botanical gardens, and Mediterranean islands. Males are colorful with golden-red neck feathers and glossy dark tails. They live in structured groups with a clear pecking order.

Behaviour

Chickens scratch at the soil for seeds and insects. They are capable of short, explosive flights to reach perches or escape predators. Communication involves a rich repertoire of vocalizations, including the distinctive dawn crowing of the male. Feral populations are surprisingly wary and quick to flee.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Features a large red comb, dangling wattles, and long tail feathers. The plumage is a mix of shimmering gold, orange, and deep green.

♀ Female

Smaller and camouflaged in brown and buff tones. Her comb and wattles are much smaller than the male's.

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