[2] The specific name of the Sri Lankan junglefowl commemorates the French aristocrat Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette (1757–1834).

The male Sri Lankan junglefowl ranges from 66–72 cm (26–28 in) in length[3] and 790–1,140 g (1.74–2.51 lb) in weight, essentially resembling a large, muscular rooster.

The feathers of the mane descending from head to base of spine are golden, and the face has bare red skin and wattles.

The female is much smaller, at only 35 cm (14 in) in length and 510–645 g (1.124–1.422 lb) in weight, with dull brown plumage with white patterning on the lower belly and breast, ideal camouflage for a nesting bird.

Uniquely complex anti-predator behaviors and foraging strategies are integral components in the long evolutionary story of the Sri Lankan junglefowl.

They spend most of their time foraging for food by scratching the ground for various seeds, fallen fruit, and insects.

The reproductive strategy of this species is best described as facultative polyandry, in that a single female is typically linked with two or three males that form a pride of sorts.

The chicks require a constant diet of live food, usually insects and isopods such as sowbugs and pillbugs.

The male is more vocal during the breeding season with advertising calls and various sounds during displays, as well with female as with rivals and in territorial defence.