The red junglefowl is a tropical member of the family Phasianidae. It is the primary progenitor of the domestic chicken (though genetic evidence strongly suggests some past hybridisation with the grey junglefowl as well.

This original chicken is smaller than its domestic descendants, and is widespread throughout South and Southeast Asia; can also be found as an introduced species in many regions around the world. In some areas of its native and introduced range, has interbred widely with feral and domestic chickens and produced intermediate hybrids. Both sexes can be distinguished from feral chickens by gray instead of yellow legs. The wild male’s crowing is hoarse and choked off towards the end, unlike the loud, vibrant calls of the domestic rooster.