Blood Pheasant
NameBlood Pheasant
Common NameBlood Pheasant
Scientific NameIthaginis cruentus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)47.5
Weight (g)575
Plumage DetailsMales have a predominantly grey body with fine white streaking, a short erectile crest, and a prominent red patch around the eye. The breast and flanks are marked with distinctive crimson-red streaks, giving the bird its common name. The tail is short and grey, and the legs are red. Females are duller, mostly brown with some red on the face.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched, clear whistles, often described as 'chi-wee' or 'wee-wee-wee' calls, sometimes ending with a trill. They also emit alarm calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, ranging from Nepal, Bhutan, northern India, and Tibet, eastward into southwestern China.
Identifying FeaturesGrey plumage with red streaks, Red facial patch, Short erectile crest, Red legs, Stocky build
Description
This stocky, medium-sized pheasant is known for its striking grey plumage adorned with crimson-red streaks on its breast and flanks. It is a ground-dwelling bird found in high-altitude Himalayan forests and scrub, where it forages for plant matter.
