Malayan Peacock-Pheasant
NameMalayan Peacock-Pheasant
Common NameMalayan Peacock-Pheasant
Scientific NamePolyplectron malacense
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)575
Plumage DetailsMales have greyish-brown body plumage with fine vermiculations, a short erectile black crest, and a bare yellowish-orange patch around the eye. Their most distinctive feature is the numerous iridescent metallic blue-green ocelli (eye-spots) on the upperwing coverts and tail feathers. Females are duller with smaller ocelli.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, loud, and far-carrying 'kwow-wow-wow' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa' call, often repeated. They also produce softer clucking sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Malay Peninsula, found in southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent blue-green ocelli on wings and tail, Short, erectile black crest, Bare yellowish-orange skin around the eye, Greyish-brown body plumage with fine vermiculations, Ground-dwelling pheasant with a relatively long tail
Description
This medium-sized ground-dwelling bird is known for its striking iridescent blue-green ocelli on its wings and tail, which are displayed during courtship. It typically forages on the forest floor, often alone or in pairs, searching for food among the leaf litter.
