Golden Pheasant
Chrysolophus pictus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chrysolophus-pictus"></birdfyi-bird>About
One of the most vividly coloured Phasianidae birds (~625 g), native to mountainous forests of central China. Males bear a golden crest, scarlet body, and barred orange cape. Despite spectacular plumage, males are shy and fast-running. Feeds on seeds, leaves, and insects. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.4 cm | 13.9 in |
| Weight | 625.0 g | 22.05 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male spectacularly ornate: golden-yellow crest; orange and black barred ruff; scarlet body; dark green mantle; blue wings; long golden tail. Female cryptically barred buff-brown. Extreme sexual dimorphism.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Native to mountain forest and bamboo in central and southern China; widely introduced and established in Britain, New Zealand, and other regions.
Diet & Feeding
Forages on seeds, berries, leaves, and invertebrates on forest floors; scratches soil for roots and grubs.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-23 days.
Clutch Size
5-12
Sound
Song
Sharp, metallic 'chak' or 'aa-ak' call; thinner and more shrill than Common Pheasant. Males call from dense Chinese forest. Alarm is a rapid sharp cackle. Wing clap audible during take-off display.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Chrysolophus |
| Species | Chrysolophus pictus |
Distribution
Golden Pheasant has been recorded in 15 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Golden Pheasant eat?
Where does the Golden Pheasant live?
Is the Golden Pheasant endangered?
How does the Golden Pheasant nest?
What does the Golden Pheasant sound like?
How big is the Golden Pheasant?
What order and family does the Golden Pheasant belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family