Bulwer's Pheasant
NameBulwer's Pheasant
Common NameBulwer's Pheasant
Scientific NameLophura bulweri
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)78.5
Weight (g)1750
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy, iridescent blue-black body plumage with a scaly appearance. The head features bright cobalt-blue facial skin with two fleshy wattles extending from the crown, and striking red eyes. The most prominent feature is the long, pure white, lyre-shaped tail, which can be up to 45 cm long. Legs are bright red. Females are duller, predominantly rufous-brown with fine black barring and blue facial skin.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet species, Bulwer's Pheasants produce soft 'hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo' calls, along with low clucking notes. Alarm calls are typically sharper.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Borneo, found in lowland and montane tropical rainforests across Sarawak, Sabah, and Kalimantan.
Identifying FeaturesSpectacular long, pure white, lyre-shaped tail (male), Glossy iridescent blue-black body plumage (male), Bright cobalt-blue facial skin and red legs (male), Ground-dwelling in Borneo's rainforests
Description
The Bulwer's Pheasant is a striking ground-dwelling bird endemic to Borneo's rainforests. Males are particularly distinctive with their glossy blue-black plumage, bright blue facial skin, and an exceptionally long, pure white, lyre-shaped tail. They forage on the forest floor for food.
