Cheer Pheasant
Catreus wallichii
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<birdfyi-bird slug="catreus-wallichii"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large Phasianidae pheasant (~1.33 kg) of grassy hillside scrub and forest margins in the western Himalayas. Both sexes are boldly barred grey-brown; the male has a long, finely barred tail. Diet encompasses grass shoots, roots, and invertebrates. Vulnerable from habitat loss and human disturbance.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 48.9 cm | 19.3 in |
| Weight | 1327.5 g | 46.83 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale grey-brown overall with dense dark brown vermiculations; buff-white underparts streaked brown; long pale grey tail narrowly barred brown; red facial skin; grey crest. Sexes alike but female smaller.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to rocky hillside scrub and grass-covered slopes in the western Himalayas, from Pakistan east through India to Nepal, at 1,200–3,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Scratches for seeds, tubers, roots, and invertebrates on steep Himalayan hillsides; also takes berries and young shoots.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 26 days.
Clutch Size
9-14
Sound
Song
Loud, far-carrying 'cheer-cheer-chirwa-chirwa' calls; responsible for common name. Himalayan species with ringing, slightly laughing quality to call. Alarm is a rapid harsh cackle from rocky slopes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Catreus |
| Species | Catreus wallichii |
Distribution
Cheer Pheasant has been recorded in 6 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family