Overview
Found on the islands of Java, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Flores, and Sumbawa, the Green Junglefowl is unique among wild Galliforms for its iridescent green plumage. Its natural habitats include coastal areas, savannas, and forest edges, where it forages for seeds, insects, and fruits. It is known to hybridize naturally with domestic chickens in areas where their ranges overlap, producing fertile offspring often referred to as 'Bekisar' chickens, valued for their unique crow and appearance.
Historically, these birds adapted to a range of environments within their native islands, showing resilience and contributing to local ecosystems. In contemporary times, the species is occasionally kept in captivity, both for ornamental purposes and for producing hybrids. Their wild populations face some pressures, though they generally maintain a stable presence across their native range, largely due to their adaptability and widespread distribution within Indonesia.
Origins
Tracing back to Indonesia, the Green Junglefowl earned its place in the lineage of exotic aviary through generations of selection — a slow conversation between climate, husbandry, and human eye. Iridescent green junglefowl of Java and Bali.
Temperament
Custodians describe the Green Junglefowl as known to be wary and elusive in the wild..
Conservation
Current status: Not formally tracked, but widespread in its native range. · rarity tier Rare. Working populations remain in the hands of a small global network — 0+ of them keep programmes on Best of Breed alone.
Green Junglefowl, in photographs.
A living plate — community submissions and high-resolution photographs from Wikimedia Commons, sorted by clarity.