Ground Birds: 15 Birds That Live and Forage on the Ground

Ground birds are species that primarily live, walk, or forage on the ground instead of in trees or water. Unlike ground-nesting birds, which lay eggs on the ground, ground birds may nest elsewhere but spend most of their time feeding or moving across the forest floor, grasslands, or deserts. This guide covers 15 ground-dwelling birds you can spot in North America and beyond.

What Makes a Bird a Ground Bird?

Ground-Dwelling vs. Ground-Nesting

Ground birds are defined by their behavior, not just their breeding. While ground-nesting birds lay eggs directly on the ground, ground birds may nest in bushes, trees, or hidden spots—but they spend most of their time on land. They walk, run, and forage on solid terrain.

Physical Traits of Ground Birds

Most ground birds have strong legs, short wings, and camouflage-friendly plumage. These features help them stay safe from predators and travel efficiently over uneven terrain. While some can fly, many are better adapted for running or hopping.

15 List of Common Ground Birds

1. Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey spends much of its time walking through forests and fields in search of seeds, insects, and berries. Though it roosts in trees at night, it is primarily a ground-dwelling bird due to its large size and foraging behavior. Its strong legs allow it to cover long distances on foot.

• Found in: North America
• Size: Up to 4 feet long

2. Northern Bobwhite

This small quail prefers walking or running to flying and spends nearly all its time on the ground in grassy habitats. It uses ground cover to hide from predators and moves in family groups called coveys.

• Found in: Eastern and Central U.S.
• Size: 9–11 inches

3. Greater Roadrunner

Roadrunners are built for land speed, using their powerful legs to hunt small animals and insects across desert terrain. They rarely fly and rely on stealth and quickness to survive in open, arid environments.

• Found in: Southwestern U.S.
• Size: About 20 inches

4. California Quail

A plump, ground-loving bird, the California Quail scratches through leaf litter to find seeds and insects. It prefers running to flying and remains close to the ground in brushy areas where it can quickly find cover.

• Found in: Western U.S.
• Size: 9–11 inches

5. Ring-necked Pheasant

Often seen walking through agricultural fields and grassy areas, this pheasant takes to the air only when startled. Its large body and limited flight strength make it far more comfortable on foot.

• Found in: Across U.S. (introduced)
• Size: 20–35 inches

6. Ruffed Grouse

Blending in with forest leaf litter, the Ruffed Grouse is a master of camouflage. It spends most of its life on the ground and only flushes into short, noisy flights when alarmed. Its drumming display is performed on logs or low ground perches.

• Found in: Northeastern and Midwest U.S.
• Size: 17–20 inches

7. American Woodcock

This secretive bird forages by probing the soil with its long bill. It walks slowly through moist forest floors, relying on camouflage and stillness rather than flight to avoid detection.

• Found in: Eastern U.S.
• Size: About 11 inches

8. Spruce Grouse

The Spruce Grouse prefers dense coniferous forests where it can forage for needles and insects directly from the ground. It’s notably tame and spends most of its life in low brush, rarely flying unless absolutely necessary.

• Found in: Northern U.S., Canada
• Size: 15–17 inches

9. Common Nighthawk

Though it’s capable of agile flight, the Common Nighthawk spends much of its daytime motionless on flat surfaces like bare ground, gravel roofs, or logs. It depends on camouflage and quiet ground perching to remain undetected.

• Found in: North and Central America
• Size: 9–10 inches

10. Rock Ptarmigan

This Arctic bird survives harsh winters by staying low and feeding directly from snow-covered ground. It uses its feathered feet to walk across snow and avoids flying unless disturbed.

• Found in: Arctic and alpine regions
• Size: 13–15 inches

11. Ostrich

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird and cannot fly. Instead, it relies on unmatched running speed and powerful legs for survival. Its entire life is spent on land, where it feeds on plants and small animals.

• Found in: Africa
• Size: Up to 9 feet

12. Emu

Australia’s largest bird, the emu, thrives in savannas and grasslands. It walks long distances in search of food and water and is unable to fly. Its strong legs allow it to cover large territories.

• Found in: Australia
• Size: Up to 6.5 feet

13. Cassowary

Cassowaries dwell deep in rainforests and rely on stealth and strength to navigate the forest floor. They use their helmet-like casques to push through underbrush and are rarely seen off the ground.

• Found in: Northern Australia, New Guinea
• Size: 5–6 feet

14. Helmeted Guineafowl

This flocking bird avoids flight in favor of running. It searches the ground for seeds, bugs, and scraps, and uses group alert calls for safety. Its short, rounded wings are suited for bursts of flight but not sustained travel.

• Found in: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Size: 20–25 inches

15. Southern Lapwing

This striking bird roams open pastures and grasslands. It nests and forages on the ground, using loud calls and displays to defend territory. It’s a fast walker and only flies when threatened.

• Found in: Central and South America
• Size: 13–14 inches

Looking for birds that build nests on the ground? Read our Ground-Nesting Birds guide.

Why Ground Birds Matter

Seed Dispersal

Many ground birds help spread plant seeds by eating fruits and excreting seeds while moving.

Insect Control

Species like roadrunners and guineafowl feed on insects and pests, balancing ecosystems naturally.

Role in Food Chains

Ground birds are prey for foxes, hawks, and other predators. Their survival strategies shape food webs.

Where to See Ground Birds

• Grasslands and Savannas: Quail, pheasants, guineafowl
• Forests: Grouse, woodcocks, turkeys
• Deserts: Roadrunners
• Mountains and Arctic zones: Ptarmigans

Visit early morning or near dusk. Look for movement at ground level instead of tree canopies.

FAQs 

Can all ground birds fly?
No. Some are flightless (like ostriches), while others fly only short distances.

What’s the difference between ground birds and ground-nesting birds?
Ground birds live and forage on land; ground-nesting birds specifically lay eggs on the ground.

Are ground birds easy to spot?
Yes—many are large, walk openly, or call loudly.

Do ground birds migrate?
Some do (e.g., nighthawks), but many are year-round residents.

Do ground birds form groups?
Yes. Quail, turkeys, and guineafowl often form flocks or coveys.