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Swinhoe's Pheasant

Lophura swinhoii

Near Threatened
Wingspan
47.6 cm
Weight
1100.0 g
Family
Phasianidae
Order
Galliformes

The Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 47.6 cm and a weight of 1.1 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Near Threatened.

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About

A beautiful Phasianidae pheasant (~1.1 kg) endemic to broadleaved evergreen forests of Taiwan's central mountains. Males are deep blue with a white back patch and crimson facial skin. Feeds on fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates on the forest floor. Near Threatened from habitat fragmentation.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 47.6 cm 18.7 in
Weight 1100.0 g 38.80 oz

Identification

Plumage

Male dark iridescent blue with white crest; white central tail feathers contrasting with dark body; white scapular patch; red facial wattle. Female reddish-brown with white shaft streaks and black scaling.

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Endemic to Taiwan; resident of dense broadleaf and mixed montane forest between 300 and 2,300 m elevation.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; eats seeds, berries, invertebrates, and small animals on Taiwan mountain forest floors.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Incubation: 25 days.

Clutch Size

3-8

Sound

Song

Sharp, metallic 'kak-KAK' crows from Taiwan mountain forest; emphatic and carrying. Alarm is a rapid harsh cackling. Wing-drumming display audible at dawn. Contact calls are soft low clucks.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Galliformes (Gamebirds)
Family Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges)
Genus Lophura
Species Lophura swinhoii

Distribution

Swinhoe's Pheasant has been recorded in 6 countries.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Swinhoe's Pheasant eat?
Omnivorous; eats seeds, berries, invertebrates, and small animals on Taiwan mountain forest floors.
Where does the Swinhoe's Pheasant live?
Endemic to Taiwan; resident of dense broadleaf and mixed montane forest between 300 and 2,300 m elevation.
Is the Swinhoe's Pheasant endangered?
The Swinhoe's Pheasant has a conservation status of Near Threatened.
How does the Swinhoe's Pheasant nest?
Incubation: 25 days.
What does the Swinhoe's Pheasant sound like?
Sharp, metallic 'kak-KAK' crows from Taiwan mountain forest; emphatic and carrying. Alarm is a rapid harsh cackling. Wing-drumming display audible at dawn. Contact calls are soft low clucks.
How big is the Swinhoe's Pheasant?
The Swinhoe's Pheasant has a wingspan of 47.6 cm, weight of 1100.0 g.
What order and family does the Swinhoe's Pheasant belong to?
The Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) belongs to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae.

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