The family Phasianidae includes 17 species found in North America.

Pheasants, Grouse and Turkeys are terrestrial birds that feed and nest on the ground. They are "chicken-like" in appearance. The Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus) is a phasianid. The wings are short and rounded, the tail varies from short to long, with extreme development in the males of the peafowl and some pheasants. The legs and feet are strong. Food is mainly seeds, fruits, other plant products and small animals.

Nests are simple, usually on the ground. Eggs are white, buff, olive green or spotted. Clutch size is variable, from 2 to 12+. Only females incubate. Males of monogamous species may help to raise young. Most species are sexually mature at one year of age, but in some large species males do not breed until more than one year old and in peacocks and Argus pheasants, adult male plumage is not attained until 3-5 years old. Longevity of large species is up to 30 years in captivity -- much less in the wild.