Golden Pheasant
NameGolden Pheasant
Common NameGolden Pheasant
Scientific NameChrysolophus pictus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)95
Weight (g)625
Plumage DetailsMales are unmistakable with a golden crest, a prominent orange-and-black ruff, a red body, and a long, barred brown tail. Females are much duller, predominantly mottled brown with fine barring, and a shorter tail, providing excellent camouflage.
Vocalization / CallGolden Pheasants typically produce harsh, metallic "chick-chick" calls, especially when alarmed. Males also emit a distinctive, drawn-out "chweep" during courtship displays and a series of hissing sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, shrubland, woodland, dense undergrowth
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to mountainous areas of central China, Golden Pheasants have also been introduced to various parts of the world, including the UK, as ornamental birds, with some feral populations established.
Identifying Featuresmale's golden crest, male's orange-and-black ruff, male's vibrant red body, male's exceptionally long, barred tail, female's mottled brown camouflage, shy, ground-dwelling behavior in dense cover
Description
The Golden Pheasant is a striking gamebird known for the male's vibrant, iridescent plumage and exceptionally long tail. These shy birds typically forage on the ground in dense cover, often running rather than flying when disturbed. They are native to mountainous forests of central China.
