Golden Pheasant is the most gorgeous species in the Pheasant family and is world-famous for the male bird's gorgeous feathers. There are only two species in the world: Golden Pheasant with red belly and Golden Pheasant with a white belly.

There is also a hybrid golden pheasant, which is the golden pheasant obtained by crossing the white-bellied golden pheasant and the red-bellied golden pheasant. There are two different colors of golden pheasant.

Distribution range.

It is mostly distributed in China and is a second-class protected animal in China.

Morphological characteristics.

Male golden pheasants are about 100 cm long and female golden pheasants are about 70 cm long. The male golden pheasant has a golden filamentous crown on its head and an orange-brown nape.

The upper body is mostly golden yellow except for the upper back which is dark green, and the feathers on the waist are dark red. The flight and tail feathers are dark brown with yellow spots. The underparts are red and the feathers are scattered around the edges. The corners of the mouth and feet are yellow.

The female golden pheasant has a brown upper body, a light brown tail, and a brownish-yellow lower body, all with black horizontal spots.

Living habits.

Habitat.

It inhabits rocky hillsides at an altitude of 600-1800 meters and is active in bamboo bushes.

Food.

It feeds on ferns, wheat leaves, clove seeds, grass seeds, soybeans, grass seeds, bamboo shoots, insects, etc.

Breed.

The breeding season begins in late March, nesting in low-lying areas with trees or weeds. Each clutch lays 5 to 9 eggs, pale yellowish-brown, without spots. The incubation period is 22 days.

Courtship characteristics.

The courtship show is very beautiful. When the male is courting, he walks up to the female first, whistling in a low voice while circling or galloping back and forth around the female.

When standing directly in front of the female, the male's gorgeous plumage fluffs out, and the colorful shawl feathers cover the head like a fan that swings away.

The wing close to the female is lowered slightly, and the wing on the other side is raised. The colorful feathers on the wings, back, and waist are displayed in front of the female.

By this time, the female has been dazzled by the male's flamboyant plumage and a flurry of displays.

The golden pheasant is a symbol of diligence, bravery, tenacious struggle, striving for progress, pursuing light, and creating happiness.