Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Scientific Name: Chrysolophus amherstiae

Order: Galliformes

Family: Phasianidae

Conservation Status

About

The Lady Amherst’s pheasant displays a great example of sexual dimorphism in animals. The male’s long, feathered tail makes up most of their length. They spend most of their time looking for food on the ground, but at night they sleep in trees.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Outside of Habitat HQ across from the barn.

Arrived at EPZ: 2023

Habitat & Range
These pheasants live in southwestern China and Myanmar.
Identification
The male's black and white cape and red crest make it easy to spot. Red, blue, dark green, white, and yellow feathers cover its long grey tail and rump. The "cape" can be put up for show. This species is very similar to the golden pheasant, but has blue-green skin and yellow eyes instead. Females are much less showy with dull feathers around their bodies.
Diet
Their primary diet consists of seeds, grains, insects and vegetation.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Lady Amherst's Pheasants begin breeding in May and lay about twenty eggs a season depending on their access to food and care. They live for about six to ten years in the wild and between eight to ten years in captivity.
Fantastic Fact
These beautiful birds are named after Sarah Amherst, who was responsible for sending the first specimen to London in 1828.

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact