Bird Group

Game Bird Facts for Kids

Game birds are ground-loving birds with plump bodies and strong legs. Meet chickens, turkeys, peacocks, quail, and their colorful cousins!

Quick Game Bird Facts

Body shape: Plump body, short wings, strong legs
How they move: Walk and scratch the ground; run from danger
How many kinds?: Over 250 species
What they eat: Seeds, berries, and insects
Where they live: Forests, grasslands, and farmlands
Fun fact: Males often have the most colorful feathers

Game birds are a group of birds that includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, and grouse. These birds are found all around the world and are designed with strong legs for walking and scratching the ground. Most game birds have plump bodies, short wings, and prefer to run rather than fly when escaping danger.

There are over 250 species of game birds living in forests, grasslands, and farmlands. These birds spend most of their time on the ground searching for seeds, berries, and insects to eat. Many game birds have beautiful feathers, especially the males who display colorful plumage to attract females during mating season.

Meet the Game Birds

Tap an animal to learn more. Pheasants and grouse belong here too!

Chickens Turkeys Peacocks Quail

Cool Facts About Game Birds!

Peacocks show off giant tail fans! A male peacock spreads a huge, shimmering fan of feathers covered in eye-shaped spots to impress a female.
Chickens can recognize faces! Chickens are smarter than many people think and can tell apart the faces of other chickens and even people.
Turkeys can blush! The skin on a turkey's head changes color from red to blue to white depending on how it feels.
Game birds love a good dust bath! They roll in dry dirt to keep their feathers clean and free of bugs.
Most prefer running to flying! Game birds can fly in short bursts, but they would rather sprint away on their strong legs.

Game Bird Questions Kids Ask

What is a game bird?

A game bird is a ground-living bird with a plump body and strong legs, such as a chicken, turkey, pheasant, quail, or grouse.

Can game birds fly?

Yes, but only for short distances. They have short, rounded wings and would rather run than fly when they feel scared.

Why are male game birds so colorful?

Males grow bright, fancy feathers to attract females during mating season. The peacock has some of the most beautiful feathers of all.

What do game birds eat?

They scratch at the ground to find seeds, berries, and insects to eat.