Scientific name: Gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758). There are five subspecies including the nominate: Gallus gallus gallus. A map of the distribution of this bird is here.

A tropical member of the Pheasant family, is the direct ancestor of the domestic chicken. It was first raised in captivity at least 5,000 years ago in Southern Asia, and the domesticated form
has been taken all around the world as a source for both meat and eggs.

Books: Extraordinary Chickens by Stephen Green-Armytage