The **Lady Amherst’s pheasant** (*Chrysolophus amherstiae*) is a striking bird with remarkable features. Let’s delve into the details:
1. **Appearance**:
– **Male**: Length of 100–120 cm (40-48 in), with an impressive tail accounting for 80 cm (31 in).
– Nuchal cape: White and black.
– Crest: Vibrant red.
– Tail: Greyish white with black bars and red streaks at the base.
– Other colors: White chest and belly, scaled green throat, dark green back, blue and brown wings, and yellow rump.
– The male can raise its “cape” during displays.
– **Female**: Duller mottled brown plumage, similar to the female common pheasant but with finer barring. Darker head and cleaner underparts than the female golden pheasant.
– Both sexes have blue-gray legs and a horn-colored bill.
2. **Habitat and Behavior**:
– **Habitat**: Dense, dark forests with thick undergrowth.
– **Behavior**: Elusive in the wild; little is known about their natural behavior.
– **Diet**: Ground foraging for grain, leaves, and invertebrates.
– **Roosting**: They roost in trees at night.
3. **Distribution**:
– Native to southwestern China and far northern Myanmar.
– Introduced populations existed in England (now believed extinct), but occasional sightings continue.
– A recent sighting occurred in a garden in Scotland in early March 2021.
In summary, Lady Amherst’s pheasants are captivating birds, especially the resplendent males with their striking plumage and impressive tails! 🌿🦚