Gallus gallus

 These birds are native to southern Asia, India, and some of the Indo­Malayan islands.  It is believed that the early domestic breeds of chicken were developed from this species.  The early Polynesians who kept the birds for food, religious ceremonies and for fighting introduced them to Hawaii.  The early introductions probably were the source of birds that formed wild populations on the main islands.  Wild populations are currently reported on Kaua`i and Hawai`i.

 These birds congregate in social groups and have a definite social structure.  Our birds were obtained at Koke'e on Kaua`i by the State Forestry and Wildlife Division.  From this group of eight pairs our population has steadily increased.  The Jungle fowl are ground nesters so their eggs and chicks are subject to predation by the mongoose and feral cat.  Survivability of chicks belonging to a large group tends to be better as there appears to be a group effort in protecting the chicks.  Adults roost in trees at night.  They are fed gamecock mix and dog chow, and can be found throughout the zoo.