Chicken look-alikes
Gallus gallus domesticus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Chicken. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Red Junglefowl
Gallus gallus
Key differences
The wild ancestor of the domestic chicken. Red Junglefowl are generally smaller, more slender, and have a more pronounced flight ability. Their plumage is typically more uniform, with roosters having bright red combs and wattles, iridescent green-black tail feathers, and golden hackle feathers. Domestic chickens exhibit a much wider range of sizes, colors, and comb types due to selective breeding.
Green Junglefowl
Gallus varius
Key differences
Found in Indonesia. Males have a single, unnotched comb that is blue at the base and red at the top, and iridescent green plumage. Females are duller. Distinctly different from domestic chickens in coloration and comb structure.
Grey Junglefowl
Gallus sonneratii
Key differences
Found in India. Males have a comb that is yellow with a red edge, and unique 'wax-like' yellow spots on the hackle feathers. Females are duller. Plumage patterns and comb characteristics are distinct from domestic chickens.
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