"H. meleagridis" is the causal organism of histomoniasis of gallinaceous birds. They are endemic to Africa and rank among the oldest of the gallinaceous birds. Common names are gamefowl or gamebirds, landfowl, gallinaceous birds, or galliforms. Gallinaceous birds are well adapted to regions with cold winters. Many gallinaceous species are skilled runners and escape predators by running rather than flying.