There are five families in this order and over 250 species. These birds are chicken-like in shape. They range in size from small to large; have plump, pear-shaped bodies; rounded wings; small bills; and small, round heads. Some species, like the turkey, have wattles* on their necks.

They can be found around the world except for in Antarctica, and they live in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands.

They eat a variety of foods, including plants, seeds, leaves, insects, lizards, worms, and rodents. Many of the species in this order have been domesticated, and others are hunted as game birds.

*Wattles are fleshy, often brightly colored, skin flaps that hang from the throat or neck of certain birds. They are used in mating rituals and also help keep the birds cool.)