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Cheer Pheasant

Catreus wallichii

Vulnerable
Wingspan
48.9 cm
Weight
1327.5 g
Family
Phasianidae
Order
Galliformes

The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 48.9 cm and a weight of 1.3 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.

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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

Conservation Status

Vulnerable
IUCN Red List

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.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cheer Pheasant endangered?
The Cheer Pheasant has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
How does the Cheer Pheasant nest?
Incubation: 26 days.
What does the Cheer Pheasant sound like?
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.
How big is the Cheer Pheasant?
The Cheer Pheasant has a wingspan of 48.9 cm, weight of 1327.5 g.
What order and family does the Cheer Pheasant belong to?
The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) belongs to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae.

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