🐦

Golden Pheasant

Chrysolophus pictus

Least Concern
Wingspan
35.4 cm
Weight
625.0 g
Family
Phasianidae
Order
Galliformes

The Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 35.4 cm and a weight of 625 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.

On this page

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

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

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

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.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Golden Pheasant eat?
Forages on seeds, berries, leaves, and invertebrates on forest floors; scratches soil for roots and grubs.
Where does the Golden Pheasant live?
Native to mountain forest and bamboo in central and southern China; widely introduced and established in Britain, New Zealand, and other regions.
Is the Golden Pheasant endangered?
The Golden Pheasant has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Golden Pheasant nest?
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-23 days.
What does the Golden Pheasant sound like?
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.
How big is the Golden Pheasant?
The Golden Pheasant has a wingspan of 35.4 cm, weight of 625.0 g.
What order and family does the Golden Pheasant belong to?
The Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) belongs to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Phasianidae family

Compare

Explore More

Explore the Nature FYI Family