Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Chrysolophus amherstiae
Visual Identification
Appearance
The male Lady Amherst's Pheasant is a striking bird with vibrant, multicoloured plumage. It features a green crown, red crest, white and black cape, blue-green back, and a long, barred tail. The breast is metallic green with a red belly.
Females are much less colourful, with mottled brown plumage and dark barring. They lack the elaborate tail and crest of the males. Juveniles resemble females but with less defined markings.
Size
Length
100cm to 120cm
Wingspan
65cm to 70cm
Weight
600g to 800g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Native to the mountainous regions of southwest China and northern Myanmar, Lady Amherst's Pheasants inhabit temperate and subtropical forests. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets.
In the UK, a small feral population existed in Bedfordshire until the early 21st century but is now believed to be extinct. They are occasionally kept in aviaries and zoos worldwide.
Elevation Range
2,100 to 3,600 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Lady Amherst's Pheasant. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Lady Amherst's Pheasants display considerable agility, particularly in their preferred habitat of dense undergrowth. Their ability to swiftly navigate through thick vegetation and their preference for running rather than flying when disturbed indicate good manoeuvrability and reflexes.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong, these pheasants possess adequate strength for their size. Their ability to scratch and dig in the forest floor for food suggests moderate muscular power, particularly in their legs and feet.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Lady Amherst's Pheasants show good adaptability, thriving in various temperate and subtropical forest environments. Their omnivorous diet and ability to forage for diverse food items demonstrate flexibility in resource utilisation.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally shy and elusive, these pheasants are not particularly aggressive. However, males may display territorial behaviour during breeding season, which slightly elevates their aggression rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their preference for running over flying and their ability to forage extensively suggest decent endurance. The challenging mountain habitat they inhabit, ranging from 1000 to 3000 metres in elevation, likely requires good stamina for daily activities.
Diet
Lady Amherst's Pheasants are omnivorous, feeding primarily on seeds, berries, and leaves. They also consume insects, worms, and small invertebrates.
Their strong beaks and feet are well-adapted for scratching and digging in the forest floor to uncover food items.
Behaviour
Lady Amherst's Pheasants are generally shy and elusive, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. They forage on the ground, scratching for food with their feet.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, fanning their cape and tail feathers to attract females.
Vocalisation
Lady Amherst's Pheasants are generally quiet birds. Males produce a sharp, metallic 'chink-chink' call during the breeding season. When alarmed, both sexes may emit a harsh, guttural squawk. Females also make soft clucking sounds to communicate with their chicks.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season typically occurs from April to June. Males establish territories and perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, fanning their cape and tail feathers while circling the female.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden under dense vegetation. Females lay 6-12 eggs, which are pale buff in colour with fine speckles.
Incubation lasts about 23-25 days and is carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching, but remain with the mother for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Lady Amherst's Pheasants face localised threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Some conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and sustainable forest management in their native range.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for these birds in the dense undergrowth of mountain forests
- Listen for rustling in the leaf litter as they forage
- Be patient and quiet; they are shy and may take time to emerge
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large birds of prey, wild cats, foxes, and martens. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to a wider range of predators, including snakes and small mammals.
Did You Know?
- The species is named after Sarah Amherst, wife of the Governor General of India, who sent the first specimen to London in 1828.
- Male Lady Amherst's Pheasants can have tail feathers up to 80 cm long.
- These pheasants can hybridise with Golden Pheasants in captivity, producing fertile offspring.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Chrysolophus amherstiae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22679358A131905673.
View source - 2
report, 1994: del Hoyo et al.
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.