jungle fowl

or jun·gle·fowl

[ juhng-guhl foul ]

noun

1. any of several gallinaceous birds of the genus Gallus, found in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia: G. gallus red jungle fowl is believed to be the primary ancestor of the domestic chicken.

jungle fowl

noun

1. any small gallinaceous bird of the genus Gallus, of S and SE Asia, the males of which have an arched tail and a combed and wattled head: family Phasianidae (pheasants). G. gallus ( red jungle fowl ) is thought to be the ancestor of the domestic fowl
2. any of several megapodes, esp Megapodius freycinet

Word History and Origins

Origin of jungle fowl¹

First recorded in 1815–25