Species Profile
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Chrysolophus amherstiae
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–10 years
Length
100–120 cm
Weight
600–800 g
Wingspan
65–70 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Lady Amherst Pheasant
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Mottled brown plumage with dark barring
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
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
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.
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