Hello! We are the beautiful and attractive Golden Pheasants. We are the one of the most beautiful birds present in the world along with Peafowl and other such birds. Have a look at some important points about us:
- We are also called Chinese Pheasants as we are only found in parts of China.
- We are well known for our Golden yellow cape that looks similar to the hairstyle of US president Donald J. Trump (2016-).
- Like many pheasants, we are hardy birds and have a high tolerance to extreme temperatures. We are easy to raise.
- We cannot fly long distances. We generally walk or run instead of flying. However, in some cases, we can fly clumsily for a short distance.
- Do you know? We were first mentioned to be in captivity in America in 1740.
- According to some, George Washington, the first US president had us in Mount Vernon. 6
- According to a legend, during the Golden Fleece quest, Argonauts brought us to Europe in 1000 BC.
SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT US:
Our Scientific Name: Chrysolophus Pictus.
Identification: medium-sized very colorful pheasants with golden yellow crest and yellow and black stripes on the neck.
Our Habitat: dense forests and woodlands and sparse undergrowth
Our Range:
Food Habits: Omnivorous; feed on seeds, grains, berries, vertebrates and other vegetations.
Breeding Period: Before April.
Number of eggs laid: 8-12 eggs.
Incubation period: 22-23 days.
Lifespan: 5-6 years in the wild; 15-20 years in captivity.
IUCN red list status: Least Concern.
CITES: Appendix II.
Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Not listed.
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Chyrsolophus
Species: C. pictus
COMPLETE DETAILS ABOUT US FOR ANIMAL ENTHUSIASTS:
We are the fancy hen-like birds called as Golden Pheasants. We are also called as Chinese Pheasants. Let us tell you more about our species.
We are scientifically called as Chrysolophus Pictus.
HOW WE LOOK:
We are colorful and attractive pheasants with a body length of 90cm-105cm, a wingspan of about 70cm and weighing about 630gms. Males and females of our species look different (have sexual dimorphism).
Males are extremely colorful with mostly golden yellow plumage. They have a golden yellow crest and cape along with yellow and black stripes on the neck. The underparts are reddish- yellow in color.
Wings are in the combination of Blue, turquoise, red, black and yellow colors. Tail is black with white dots. The bill is yellow in color along with the legs. Females are darker in color i.e., dark greyish-black color with darker stripes all around the body.
The tail length of females is shorter than that of males’ and overall females are smaller than males. The young ones of our species look similar to adult females.
WE ARE FOUND IN:
We have our habitat in dense forests and woodlands and sparse undergrowth (small length grass). Our range lies in countries like United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
WHAT WE EAT:
We are omnivorous birds which feed on seeds, grains, berries, vertebrates and other vegetation.
OUR REPRODUCTION:
Males of our species attract females by making different vocalizations and also displaying their amazing feathers. Generally, males have several females around them and form small flocks.
These males defend their flock from other males. The female lays 8-12 eggs and the incubation period is 22-23 days. the young chicks move away from their mother after 10-14 days when they develop their wings.
They attain sexual maturity during their first year. However, the males acquire their bright colors during their second year. Our lifespan in the wild is 5-6 years whereas in captivity it is 15-20 years.
MORE ABOUT US:
We have an extreme sense of danger. We prefer running on the ground rather than taking clumsy flights.
During danger, we tend to fly upwards at great speed and make a distinct wing sound.
OUR CONSERVATION:
We are considered as ‘least concern’ by IUCN in its red list.
