Grey Peacock-Pheasant
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
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The most widespread Polyplectron peacock-pheasant (~480 g), inhabiting forest understorey from northeastern India through mainland Southeast Asia. Males are grey-brown peppered with violet-green ocelli. Forages on the ground for seeds, invertebrates, and small reptiles. Tolerates secondary forest; Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 40.2 cm | 15.8 in |
| Weight | 479.75 g | 16.92 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown with buff-white shaft streaks and dark vermiculations; large oval iridescent green and purple ocelli on wing coverts and tail; white-scaled face; yellow orbital skin. Female similar but smaller ocelli.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of hill and montane forest from northeastern India and Bangladesh east through Myanmar to southern China and mainland Southeast Asia.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous forest floor forager; takes seeds, fruits, invertebrates, and small vertebrates in mainland SE Asia.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21 days.
Clutch Size
2-5
Sound
Song
Loud, penetrating 'kow-WEE' whistle; most vocal of peacock-pheasants, ringing through SE Asian forest. Male calls while displaying ocellated tail. Alarm is sharp 'kak'. Heard at dawn and dusk.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Polyplectron |
| Species | Polyplectron bicalcaratum |
Distribution
Grey Peacock-Pheasant has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Grey Peacock-Pheasant eat?
Where does the Grey Peacock-Pheasant live?
Is the Grey Peacock-Pheasant endangered?
How does the Grey Peacock-Pheasant nest?
What does the Grey Peacock-Pheasant sound like?
How big is the Grey Peacock-Pheasant?
What order and family does the Grey Peacock-Pheasant belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family