Swinhoe's Pheasant
Lophura swinhoii
Aves › Galliformes › Phasianidae › Lophura
Conservation status: near_threatened
Swinhoe's pheasant, also known as the Taiwan blue pheasant, is a bird of the pheasant subfamily in the fowl family Phasianidae. It is endemic to Taiwan. Along with the Mikado pheasant and Taiwan blue magpie, two other Taiwan endemics, Swinhoe's pheasant is sometimes considered an unofficial national symbol for Taiwan, as it bears the colours of the national flag.
How To Identify
A ground-dwelling pheasant build, generally ranging between 25 to 30 cm in length. Males often display striking, iridescent plumage on the neck and tail, while females are typically more cryptically colored with mottled browns, reds, and olive hues for camouflage.
Habitat
It inhabits dense, humid subtropical forests and bamboo thickets at elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 meters in central Taiwan.
Behaviour
Males are highly territorial and use their distinctive two-note calls to establish dominance, while females remain secretive and ground-dwelling, foraging for insects and seeds among leaf litter.
Native Range
Swinhoe's pheasant is endemic to Taiwan.
Did You Know?
Swinhoe's Pheasant males perform an extraordinary jumping display during courtship, leaping vertically up to 2 meters in the air while fanning their tail feathers. This acrobatic show is one of the most dramatic among pheasant species.
Create a free account to log your sightings of the Swinhoe's Pheasant, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.
Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta