
Kalij are not as great scratchers as junglefowl but dig 
forcefully with their strong bills for roots, bulbs, and corns, 
Likewise they are great walkers, usually moving rather slowly unless 
surprised or nervous. Then they run with ease through thick brush or 
take to wing. They are past masters at concealing themselves among 
leafy tree branches where they often sit immobile until they have 
spotted the danger or become frightened. Then a quick swoop downwards 
between tree crown and undergrowth away from the point of alarm carries 
them out of danger. 
Flight 
The flight of kalij is as direct and swift as a ringneck. 
They launch steeply into the air, flap their wings forcefully until 
Momentum is gained, then sail with occasional wing beats, usually 
downhill or parallel with the slope. In forested areas, they fly 
through brush and among trees with an agility surprising for such a 
large bird. In crossing from one slope to another they are not adverse 
to taking a direct course, often coming to roost in atree. Their 
flight is almost noiseless, once they are launched, and seldom over 
300 to 600 feet at a time. 
Wariness 
Except where heavily hunted, kalij are unwary birds. They 
are often seen feeding, going to or returning from water along trails, 
roads, or in overgrown fields. They take fright less quickly than 
junglefowl but become wary enough to satisfy any sportsman where hunting 
pressure is substantial. 
Resting and Roosting 
These birds normally rest on the ground but roost at night 
in fair-sized hardwoods or conifers, usually at heights of 20 to 40 | 
feet off the ground. The same tree is likely to be chosen by one or 
more birds for months at a time unless they are disturbed. 
Nesting and Renesting 
Kalij nests are usually located in or along the edges of 
woodlands in clumps of thick brush, open below to provide easy escape, 
by a log, rock or, less commonly, a tree. Open forest with bracken 
ferns beneath and brushy ravines are other favored locations. Often 
they are situated on a fairly steep slope and usually not far from 
water. The nest pictured in Fig. 2 was on a small bench overlooking 
a pool in a partially dry steam bed. The situation was rather open 
and the nest was imperfectly concealed by a few forest weeds and flowers. 
34 
