Bornean Peacock-Pheasant
NameBornean Peacock-Pheasant
Common NameBornean Peacock-Pheasant
Scientific NamePolyplectron schleiermacheri
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)52
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit a dark, iridescent blue-purple head and neck, complemented by a prominent orange-yellow eye-ring. The body plumage is dark brown to black, densely covered with metallic blue-green ocelli, which are particularly striking on the upperparts and tail. Females are generally duller with less prominent ocelli.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of a series of loud, clear, often double-noted calls, sometimes described as 'kew-kew' or 'kwa-kwa', used for territorial defense and communication.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Borneo, found in scattered populations across Brunei, Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah).
Identifying FeaturesIridescent blue-purple ocelli on brown/black plumage, Bright orange-yellow eye-ring, Dark head with a slightly crested appearance, Long, graduated tail with ocelli, Ground-dwelling pheasant
Description
The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant is a medium-sized, shy, ground-dwelling bird endemic to the rainforests of Borneo. Males are strikingly adorned with iridescent blue-purple ocelli (eyespots) on their dark plumage, contrasting with a bright orange-yellow eye-ring. They forage for insects, fruits, and seeds in the dense undergrowth.
