The order of Galliformes is a large and diverse group comprising about 70 genera and more than 250 species. The birds are often referred to as 'gallinaceous birds' (meaning chicken-like) or game birds (as many species are hunted). Gallinaceous birds have blunt-wings, small to large bodies and the color of their plumage can range from cryptic to dark to brightly colorful.

About the number of families within the Galliformes, people are not sure and there is a lot of discussion. We will use the following list of family members:

• Cracidae (chachalacas, curassows, guans)
  
• Megapodiidae (brush-turkeys, mallee fowl, scrub fowl)
  
• Numididae (guineafowl)
  
• Odontophoridae (new World quails)
  
• Phasianidae (grouse, partridges, pheasants and turkeys)