Lady Amherst's Pheasant
NameLady Amherst's Pheasant
Common NameLady Amherst's Pheasant
Scientific NameChrysolophus amherstiae
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)110
Weight (g)700
Plumage DetailsMale: White head with black scaling, a red crest, metallic green upper back, yellow lower back, and an orange-red rump. The most striking feature is the extremely long, barred silver-grey and black tail. The breast is metallic green, and the belly is white. Female: Cryptic mottled brown and buff plumage with fine barring, providing excellent camouflage.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet birds. Calls include a sharp 'chick-chick' or 'chick-chick-chick' during alarm, and a harsh, metallic 'churr' or 'chick-churr' during display.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to southwestern China and northern Myanmar. Introduced populations exist in other parts of the world, notably in England.
Identifying FeaturesMale's extremely long, barred silver-grey and black tail, Male's white head with black scaling and red crest, Male's metallic green upper back and yellow lower back, Female's cryptic mottled brown plumage, Red orbital skin on male
Description
The male Lady Amherst's Pheasant is renowned for its spectacular, elongated tail and vibrant, multi-colored plumage, while the female is cryptically patterned in browns. These shy birds typically inhabit dense forests and undergrowth, foraging on the ground for seeds and insects.
