21 Different Types of Pheasants You Should Know

Pheasants have to be some of the most spectacular birds out there, right? Their wild colors and crazy plumage can honestly leave even the most seasoned bird nerd a bit gobsmacked.

From the ever-present Ring-necked Pheasant to the almost surreal Golden Pheasant, these game birds belong to a bunch of genera within the Phasianinae subfamily.

They’re also cousins to other ground-loving birds like peafowl.

There are tons of pheasant species worldwide, and each one comes with its own quirks, habitats, and behaviors—enough to keep both casual birdwatchers and hardcore ornithologists intrigued for ages.

The pheasant family is packed with jaw-dropping varieties: the Lady Amherst’s Pheasant with that wild black-and-white tail, the almost metallic-looking Silver Pheasant, and the Reeves’s Pheasant—which, honestly, has tail feathers so long it feels like it’s showing off.

Most of these stunners are native to Asia, but a handful have made themselves at home in Europe and North America, too.

People love them as game birds, and, well, they’re basically supermodels for wildlife photographers.

1. Common Pheasant

The Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)—you might know it as the ring-necked or blue-headed pheasant—sits squarely in the Phasianidae family.

It’s not exactly subtle, with its flashy colors and bold patterns.

Male Common Pheasants are basically walking rainbows: think green-blue heads, bright red facial wattles, and that unmistakable white neck ring.

Their bodies are a coppery brown with all sorts of black markings.

The females? They keep it low-key with mottled brown feathers—great for hiding out when they need to.

Originally from Eurasia, these birds have been deliberately introduced all over: Europe, North America, Japan, you name it.

Honestly, they’re pretty adaptable and seem to do just fine in all sorts of places.

Common Pheasants go for a polygynous mating system—one flashy guy, several lady friends.

Their breeding season usually kicks off in early spring, right around mid-March to early April, depending on where they are.

As for their diet, they’re not picky. A typical menu includes:

• Seeds and grains
• Berries and fruits
• Insects and small invertebrates
• Young plant shoots

There’s a notable subspecies, the Caucasus pheasant (Phasianus colchicus colchicus group), which is basically the OG version of this species.

Then there’s the Green Pheasant, which is super similar but rocks a much darker, bottle-green chest and belly.

Common Pheasants like places with mixed woodland, farmland, and scruffy edges.

They’ll nest right on the ground, usually tucking their nests away in tall grass or under thick shrubs to stay out of sight.

2. Golden Pheasant

The Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is just… wow. Native to China, this bird is basically a walking piece of art.

Out of all the colorful pheasant species out there, this one might just take the cake.

Male Golden Pheasants look like someone spilled a paint set on them (in a good way): golden-yellow crests, fire-engine red bodies, and that unmistakable golden cape.

Females, on the other hand, opt for a much more chill brown look—great for blending in with the forest floor.

They’re not tiny, either. Most are around 90–105 cm long, and the guys are definitely bigger than the gals.

Their tails? They make up about two-thirds of that length—pretty dramatic.

In captivity, Golden Pheasants have been bred into all sorts of color varieties, including:

• Dark-throated
• Yellow
• Cinnamon
• Salmon
• Peach
• Splash
• Mahogany
• Silver

Bird folks usually call the wild-type color “red-golden” to keep it straight from all those captive-bred versions.

Though they’re native to China’s forests, feral populations have popped up in other countries, too.

They prefer dense woods where they can poke around for insects, berries, and seeds—seems like a pretty good life.

Golden Pheasants are in the genus Chrysolophus, which also includes their close cousin, the Lady Amherst’s Pheasant.

Both are superstars in aviculture, mostly because, well, just look at them.

If you’re trying to tell pheasants apart, the Golden Pheasant is the one with the wild colors and that showy crest.

It’s a whole different vibe from the more common ring-necked guys you see running around fields.

3. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Lady Amherst’s pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) is another showstopper from the Phasianidae family.

Named for Lady Sarah Amherst (who brought them to England back in the day), these birds are seriously eye-catching.

The males are just over the top—think green and blue heads, a white neck with those crazy black-and-white scales, and a bright orange body finished off with a long, striped tail. I mean, you can’t miss them.

The females, though, play it safe. They’re mostly brown with black stripes and some gray skin around the eyes—perfect for staying hidden in the underbrush.

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: Up to 120 cm (including tail)
• Weight: 500-700 grams
• Lifespan: 5-6 years in the wild, 10+ in captivity

They come from the mountainous forests of western China and Myanmar, where they stick to thick cover for food and safety.

Lady Amherst’s pheasants need pretty similar care and breeding setups as golden pheasants.

They do fine in captivity as long as they get decent housing and a good diet.

They don’t get fancy with their nests—just a round, shallow scrape lined with whatever’s handy.

Females lay 8–12 eggs and sit on them for about 22–23 days.

Wild Lady Amherst’s pheasants eat seeds, berries, bugs, and whatever small invertebrates they can scratch up.

They’re pretty good at rooting around for snacks under the leaves.

4. Silver Pheasant

The Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) is one of those birds you just can’t ignore.

Found mostly in the mountain forests of Southeast Asia and across eastern and southern China, this striking bird really knows how to stand out.

They show off some pretty intense sexual dimorphism—basically, the males and females look like they’re from different species.

Males? They’re stunning. Bold black and white feathers, white or silvery-gray upperparts against jet-black underparts, super long tails, and a pop of bright red on the face. They’re not exactly blending in.

The females, by comparison, are all about subtlety: brown plumage that helps them vanish into the forest floor while nesting.

It’s a classic case of “don’t eat me” camouflage.

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: 100-125 cm (including tail)
• Weight: 1.5-2 kg
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity

Silver Pheasants are pretty flexible. They’ll hang out in forests and woodlands, especially in the hills and mountains, and spend most of their time on the ground hunting for seeds, berries, insects, and little critters.

Fun fact: these guys have been introduced to Hawaii and other spots in the US, and honestly, they seem to be thriving. Not many birds adapt that easily.

There are several subspecies, like Crawfurd’s Kalij and the Lineated Kalij.

Each one has its own twist on color and size—nature’s way of keeping things interesting, I guess.

5. Reeves’s Pheasant

Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) is just wild—endemic to China and named for British naturalist John Reeves.

It’s a big, bold member of the Syrmaticus genus, and honestly, it’s hard to forget once you’ve seen one.

The showstopper here is the male’s insanely long tail. Some of these guys stretch up to 210 cm in total length—most of that is tail, which might be a bit over-the-top, but hey, it works for them.

Male Reeves’s Pheasants have this amazing look, like they’re made from gold and white porcelain scales edged in black.

Their tails are striped black and white, trailing behind them like fancy ribbons.

Females keep it simple—peachy-colored bellies and none of that extravagant tail, which is pretty standard for pheasants, really.

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: Up to 210 cm (males, including tail)
• Coloration: Gold, black, and white patterned plumage (males)
• Distinctive Features: Extremely long black-and-white striped tail (males)

Sadly, these birds are getting harder to find in the wild. Habitat loss and hunting are taking a toll, so keeping them around is going to take some effort and attention.

6. Elliot’s Pheasant

Elliot’s pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) is a large, eye-catching pheasant native to southeastern China.

It’s part of the Syrmaticus genus—one of those small groups that only has five long-tailed pheasant species in it, which is kind of cool if you’re into taxonomy.

The Elliot’s pheasant is actually monotypic—meaning there aren’t any subspecies.

That’s a bit unusual for pheasants, since a lot of them have several subspecies scattered around.

Physical Appearance:

• Male: Brown upperparts and a bright white belly
• Male: Silvery head with a vivid red face
• Male: Long, pale gray tail striped with russet bands
• Female: Smaller, with much more understated colors

The males, honestly, are hard to miss—that red facial skin against the silvery head really pops.

And with those long, banded tails, you’ll know if you spot one in the wild (if you’re lucky enough).

Females, on the other hand, are much more low-key in their looks.

Their muted colors help them blend in while they’re nesting or taking care of their chicks.

That whole difference between male and female appearance is pretty standard with pheasants.

When it comes to breeding, Elliot’s pheasants usually lay around five eggs each season.

They’re clever about it, too—nests are tucked away in thick vegetation, out of sight from predators.

Conservation is kind of a big deal for these birds, since habitat loss is a real threat.

They’re prized for their looks in aviaries, but they also play a role in their native ecosystems—so keeping them around matters, for more than just their feathers.

7. Kalij Pheasant

The Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a seriously striking bird found mostly in the forests and tangled thickets at the base of the Himalayas, stretching from Nepal into other bits of Asia.

It’s a medium-sized member of the Lophura genus, and honestly, the amount of variation in this species is kind of wild.

Males are especially dramatic, with glossy blue-black feathers and silver patterns that can look totally different depending on which subspecies you’re looking at.

They’ve got this backward-swept crest and those bright scarlet wattles around the face—it’s a look, for sure.

Females, as usual, are less flashy. They wear brown, mostly, which is perfect for hiding out in the undergrowth.

Both males and females have a tail that’s kind of vertically squished, but the male’s is definitely the showier of the two.

One odd little detail: their leg color can be anything from pale brown to greenish or gray.

Unlike some of their pheasant cousins, Kalij don’t rock the red legs.

Physical Characteristics:

• Long, swept-back crest
• Scarlet facial wattles
• Vertically compressed tail
• Male: Shiny black and silver plumage
• Female: Mostly brown, very understated

The Kalij sometimes hybridizes with the Silver Pheasant, which makes sense since they look a bit alike.

There are a bunch of subspecies, each with their own twist on the basic color scheme.

Funny enough, these birds have also been introduced to places like Hawaii, where they’ve gone feral and set up shop in the forests. Nature finds a way, I guess.

8. Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is honestly one of the most jaw-dropping pheasants out there, native to the forests and scrubby slopes of the Himalayas.

You might’ve heard it called the Impeyan monal or Impeyan pheasant, too.

This bird isn’t just pretty—it’s got a special place in local culture as the national bird of Nepal, where folks call it “Danphe.”

It’s also the state bird in Uttarakhand, India, which is a neat bit of trivia.

Males are almost absurdly colorful, with iridescent feathers that catch the light in copper, blue, green, and purple.

The head has a metallic green crest, and the rest of the body just shimmers.

Females are, well, a lot less showy—mostly brown, which helps them blend in.

Himalayan monals aren’t afraid of heights—they live at altitudes up to 4,000 feet, sometimes even higher.

Unlike some other pheasants, they’ll move up or down the mountains depending on the season, probably chasing better weather.

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: 70 cm for males, 60 cm for females
• Weight: 1.8-2.3 kg
• Curved beak that’s great for digging
• Males sport a showy crest

They spend most of their time on the ground, rooting around with those strong beaks.

What’s on the menu? Mostly:

• Roots and tubers
• Insects and larvae
• Berries and seeds

Right now, the Himalayan monal is listed as Least Concern, but that doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine—habitat loss is still a problem for them, like it is for so many mountain birds.

9. Copper Pheasant

The Copper Pheasant (Syrmaticus soemmerringii) is a real beauty, and you’ll only find it in Japan.

Sometimes it’s called Soemmerring’s pheasant or “yamadori” (ヤマドリ) if you want to sound local.

What stands out? For starters, those long tails and the male’s rich reddish-chestnut head with shimmery coppery-purple feather edges. It gives them this almost metallic glow in the right light.

Copper Pheasants are picky about where they live. They stick to dense cedar and cypress forests, usually near streams.

That makes them pretty secretive, and honestly, spotting one in the wild is a real treat for birders.

Physical Characteristics:

• Super long, elegant tail
• Coppery-brown feathers with a metallic shine
• Sexual dimorphism (males and females look quite different)
• Males have red skin on their face

This bird sits in the Syrmaticus genus, home to a handful of long-tailed pheasants.

The Copper Pheasant is endemic to Japan, so if you’re not there, you’re out of luck seeing one in the wild.

They’re shy, preferring to stay hidden in thick woods. If you do catch a glimpse, count yourself lucky—it doesn’t happen every day, even for locals.

Protecting Copper Pheasants is important, since they’re a unique part of Japan’s natural heritage.

Their dependence on dense forests means they’re pretty vulnerable if those habitats get chopped down or degraded.

10. Mikado Pheasant

The Mikado pheasant (Syrmaticus mikado) is another showstopper—a gamebird from the Phasianidae family and part of the Galliformes order (so, basically, the “fancy chicken” group).

This species is native to Taiwan and, while it’s not officially the national bird, a lot of people there treat it like one.

The Mikado does really well in Taiwan’s mountain forests—seems like it’s made for that landscape.

Physical Characteristics:

• Male: Deep blue-black feathers with crisp white bars on the wings
• Female: Brown, for blending in
• Size: Somewhere between medium and large for a pheasant
• Tail: Long, graceful tail feathers (especially impressive on the males)

The Mikado is a member of the Syrmaticus genus, which, honestly, is packed with some of the most striking pheasants out there.

Its relatives, the other long-tailed Syrmaticus pheasants, include the Copper, Reeves, Elliot’s, and Hume’s pheasants.

Each one’s got its own style and preferred hangout. Like Elliot’s, the Mikado is monotypic—no subspecies here.

That means wherever you find one, it’s basically the same as any other Mikado pheasant.

There’s a real need to look after these birds, since their mountain homes are under pressure.

Conservation measures are key if we want to keep seeing these gorgeous pheasants thriving in Taiwan.

11. Cheer Pheasant

The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) (also called Wallich’s or chir pheasant) is a bit of an oddball—a unique bird and the only member of its genus, Catreus.

The name’s a nod to the Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich, if you’re curious about that sort of thing.

This is a big, pale pheasant with a look all its own: a long tail, a messy-looking crest, and a splash of red skin around the eye.

Males are mostly pale gray, with barred markings and thick black bands across the tail—definitely not your average pheasant.

Unfortunately, the Cheer Pheasant is currently listed as Vulnerable—populations are dropping faster than you’d like to see, thanks to a bunch of different pressures.

Physical Characteristics:

• Long, impressive tail
• Ruffled crest
• Red skin around the eyes
• Pale gray (males)
• Barred patterns all over

They’re found in the Himalayan region, with records from places like Far-Western Nepal. But honestly, their future in the wild isn’t exactly secure.

The main threats? Well, there’s:

• Livestock grazing that tramples their habitat
• Hunting
• Ongoing habitat loss
• Human expansion into their range

Conservation work is absolutely vital for the Cheer Pheasant.

BirdLife International says their numbers are still dropping, so any steps to protect them are more urgent than ever.

12. Edward’s Pheasant

Edward’s Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) is a truly eye-catching bird that’s found only in Vietnam.

Sadly, it’s now critically endangered—some folks even worry it might already be gone from the wild.

The male Edward’s Pheasant shows off sleek, all-black feathers with a deep blue sheen.

Its upperwing-coverts have these metallic green edges that really pop against the small white crest on its head.

There are actually two recognized forms of this species. The nominate variety (L. e. edwardsi) sports a white crest and upper tail, while the northern type—often called the Vietnamese pheasant—has a varying number of white tail feathers.

The Vietnamese pheasant is only found in the Ha Tinh region, in Ke Go, which sets it apart geographically from the nominate form.

Conservation Status:

• Critically Endangered
• Maybe extinct in the wild
• Included in captive breeding programs

People have been trying to help this species for decades now. Zoos have run breeding programs for over 20 years to boost captive numbers, hoping one day to return them to the wild.

The main reasons for their decline? Habitat loss and hunting, unfortunately.

Central Vietnam’s forests have been chopped up and fragmented, which makes any kind of recovery tough—even with ongoing conservation work.

13. Swinhoe’s Pheasant

The Swinhoe’s pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) is a gorgeous bird, sometimes called the Taiwan blue pheasant.

It’s a member of the pheasant subfamily in the Phasianidae family—so, basically, it’s got some pretty impressive relatives.

This striking species is native only to Taiwan. It shares this “only here” status with other unique birds like the Mikado pheasant and the Taiwan blue magpie—kind of a special club, honestly.

Male Swinhoe’s pheasants really stand out. Their slaty blue coloring runs from the nape down to the flanks, with a bold white patch on the upper back, a brown mantle, and darker gray areas.

It’s a look you won’t mistake for anything else. One thing that’s easy to spot: their bright red legs.

This detail helps you tell them apart from the similar Mikado pheasant—pretty handy if you’re out birding.

They stick to Taiwan’s mountains and tend to be a bit shy, so actually seeing one in the wild can be a challenge. Bird watchers know the struggle!

As part of the Lophura genus, Swinhoe’s pheasant is related to some other notable pheasants, like:

• Bulwer’s pheasant
• Siamese fireback
• Edwards’s pheasant
• Crestless fireback

Conservation in Taiwan is all about keeping these birds and their mountain forests safe, so they’ll be around for future generations to enjoy.

14. Green Pheasant

The Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) stands as Japan’s national bird and is found only on the Japanese islands.

Some folks lump it in with the common pheasant as a subspecies, but honestly, most experts say it’s a species in its own right.

Male Green Pheasants are something else—they’ve got bottle-green underparts and a purplish-blue neck and head.

Their red facial skin, or wattles, really pop against all that dark plumage.

You just can’t miss them if you’re lucky enough to spot one.

Females and young birds look way more low-key, with brown feathers that blend right into their surroundings.

This difference—called sexual dimorphism—is pretty standard for pheasants, actually.

The name Phasianus versicolor really says it all: “versicolor” points to the way their feathers shift and shimmer in the light. It’s a neat trick of nature.

Key Facts:

• Size: Medium-sized, long-tailed pheasant
• Diet: Eats a bit of everything (omnivore)
• Habitat: Native to Japan
• Status: Japan’s national bird

Green Pheasants can actually hybridize with Common Pheasants and produce fertile offspring where their ranges overlap. That’s a sign of just how closely related they are.

Mostly, these birds stick to the ground, but they can fly short distances if they need to—say, to dodge a predator or get up to a safe roost in a tree.

15. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant

The Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) is a medium-sized member of the Phasianidae family.

It’s only found on Palawan Island in the Philippines, and because of its tiny range, the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable.

Males can reach up to 50 cm (about 19.7 inches) in length, while females are a bit smaller—around 40 cm (15.7 inches).

They’re usually between 19 and 22 ounces and stand 18 to 22 inches tall. Give or take, of course.

The males are unmistakable, with their shimmering blue wings and those crazy blue-green eyespots on their tails.

Plus, they’ve got a crest they can raise at will—definitely not a boring bird.

Among peacock pheasants, these guys are considered some of the most colorful.

Experts recognize two types: single-barred and double-barred, which just refers to differences in their markings.

Females, on the other hand, are much more understated, with brownish feathers that let them disappear into the forest floor.

Again, sexual dimorphism—nature’s camouflage at work.

They live in both old-growth and secondary forests on Palawan, foraging for seeds, berries, insects—pretty much anything small they can find on the ground.

Habitat protection is key for these birds, since deforestation is a real threat.

Captive breeding also helps keep the species’ gene pool healthy, just in case.

16. Salvadori’s Pheasant

Salvadori’s pheasant (Lophura inornata) is a handsome bird native to Indonesia, hanging out mainly in the mountain rainforests of Sumatra.

It’s part of the Lophura genus, so it’s got some interesting cousins across Asia.

The male is especially noticeable, rocking almost entirely glossy blue-black feathers.

The color gets a bit duller on the belly, vent, flight feathers, and tail, and honestly, compared to some other blackish pheasants, it’s not the flashiest—maybe even a little plain, if we’re being honest.

Habitat & Distribution

• Mountain rainforests
• Found only in Sumatra, Indonesia
• Sticks to highland forests

Unfortunately, things aren’t looking great for this bird. Salvadori’s pheasant is believed to be declining at a moderate pace.

The main issues? Well:

1. Habitat loss and degradation
2. Hunting pressure

There are subspecies too, like Hoogerwerf’s pheasant (Lophura inornata hoogerwerfi), which shows some regional differences.

Saving this pheasant really depends on protecting its specialized habitat.

With such specific needs, it’s especially sensitive to changes in its mountain rainforest home and to human activities in the area.

Birders and researchers appreciate this species for its unique traits and limited range, so it’s become a bit of a poster bird for conservation efforts in Indonesia.

17. Blood Pheasant

The Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) is a bit of an oddball—it’s the only member of its genus, Ithaginis, in the Phasianidae family.

The bird’s name comes from the male’s splashes of crimson on its feathers, which almost look painted on.

Looks-wise, it’s pretty unique for a pheasant. Males have silvery gray feathers with pale streaks and a crimson-washed face.

Their chunky, partridge-like bodies make them stand out, even if you just catch a glimpse.

Females are a different story: they’re mostly brown, with rufous-cinnamon hues on the face, forehead, and throat, and sometimes a bit of crimson here and there.

How to Spot Them:

• Red feet
• Bold ring of bare skin around the eye—crimson or orange
• Partridge-like shape
• Males and females look pretty different (sexual dimorphism)

Blood Pheasants stick to montane scrub across their range. They really like higher elevations, so you’re not going to bump into one just anywhere—they’re a bit of a specialist.

There are several subspecies spread out over their range, including:

• Sikkim Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus affinis)
• Tibetan Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus tibetanus)
• Kuser’s Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus tibetanus)

These birds are mostly found in Asia’s mountain regions, wherever there’s enough scrubby vegetation.

Their unusual looks and picky habitat make them one of the more fascinating members of the pheasant family, at least in my book.

18. White-eared Pheasant

The White-eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon) really is a gorgeous bird—it’s mostly covered in white plumage, and those signature ear tufts are what give the genus its name.

Funny enough, it’s not the ears that are white (despite what you might think from the name); it’s the whole bird that’s white, with those bold tufts sticking out and making it look a bit distinguished.

This striking pheasant calls China home, especially up in the high-altitude mountains.

It manages to thrive in places where a lot of other pheasants probably wouldn’t last too long.

Physical Characteristics:

• Mainly white feathers all over
• Distinct ear tufts (actually a bit shorter than some other eared-pheasants)
• Males sport small spurs
• Females are a touch smaller and tend to look a bit darker than the guys

Female White-eared Pheasants look a lot like the males, but if you look closely, you’ll spot their slightly smaller size and a browner, somewhat darker tint. Oh, and they don’t have those spurs that males do.

In captivity, these pheasants are surprisingly adaptable. They often turn pretty tame in aviaries, sometimes even greeting keepers and begging for treats. It’s kind of endearing, honestly.

If you’re into birdwatching, you can actually spot these impressive birds in the wild—there are plenty of resources to help you identify them and learn about their calls, habits, and looks.

They go by a few other names, too, like Dolan’s eared pheasant and Bee’s pheasant—just a little nod to their tangled history in ornithology circles.

19. Blue-eared Pheasant

The Blue Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum) is another stunner from China.

Despite the name, it doesn’t actually have blue ears—what it does have are these wild, white facial plumes that sweep up like “ears” or, if you squint, maybe even whiskers.

This big pheasant rocks a classy dark blue-grey coat of feathers.

Some of its flashiest features? Well, there’s the velvet black crown, that bright red bare skin on its face, and a frilly tail that looks just a bit over the top—in a good way.

It’s part of the “eared” pheasant group—four species total, all with those whiskery face feathers.

Just don’t mix them up with “horned” pheasants (the Tragopans); that’s a whole different story.

Physical Characteristics:

• Can reach up to 96 centimeters (38 inches) in length
• Body: Dark blue-grey
• Face: Red bare skin with those signature white “ear” feathers
• Crown: Velvet black
• Tail: Frilly, a bit dramatic

You’ll find these birds in the mountain forests of central China, especially in coniferous and mixed woods.

Sometimes they hang out in alpine meadows among junipers and scrub, too.

They usually stick to elevations between 2,700 and 4,400 meters in the summer. I guess the thin air and rugged terrain suit them just fine.

They’re not exactly common, but the Blue-eared Pheasant is definitely one of the more eye-catching birds out there.

Hard to mistake for anything else if you ever see one strutting around.

20. Koklass Pheasant

The Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is kind of its own thing among pheasants, living in high to mid-altitude forests all over Asia.

It’s actually the only member of its genus, Pucrasia, which makes it a bit of an oddball in the group.

Male Koklass Pheasants look pretty sharp—silver-plumed bodies, maroon stripes on the breast, and these bold white patches at the neck.

Their dark heads make the other colors pop, so they’re not too tough to pick out if you ever get lucky enough to spot one.

The Koklass is a polytypic species, with nine subspecies officially recognized.

Each one’s got its own little quirks—slight differences in looks and where they live.

Some of the subspecies? Pucrasia macrolopha biddulphi, castanea, darwini, and joretiana, just to name a few.

These birds are surprisingly good fliers for ground birds. They can fly uphill and handle long flights when they need to, which is pretty impressive considering most pheasants are more about running than flying.

Behavior-wise, Koklass Pheasants are shy and not easy to spot in the wild.

They look a bit like partridges, even though they’re technically pheasants—go figure.

Their appearance is very partridge-like, which throws some people off.

When it comes to relationships, they’re mostly monogamous, but every now and then, a female might pair up with more than one male—so, just a slight hint of social polyandry in their habits.

Physical Characteristics:

• Silver-plumed body (in males)
• Maroon breast stripe
• White patch on the neck
• Dark head
• Overall, looks a lot like a partridge

21. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant

The Malayan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) is a medium-sized pheasant native to Southeast Asia.

You might also hear it called the crested peacock-pheasant or, sometimes, the Malaysian peacock-pheasant—names that are a bit of a mouthful, honestly.

This bird is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and maybe, just maybe, southern peninsular Thailand.

Basically, it’s got a pretty limited range and doesn’t show up anywhere else.

There used to be rumors about it living in Sumatra, but those turned out to be false—bird conservation data cleared that up.

The Malayan peacock-pheasant is part of the Polyplectron genus, which includes eight different species of peacock-pheasants.

Most of these birds have pretty understated colors—nothing flashy, really—which helps them disappear into the forest shadows.

You’ll usually find them in lowland primary forests, leading quiet, secretive lives.

If you’re lucky (and patient), the Malayan peacock-pheasant can be spotted in places like Taman Negara National Park in Pahang, Malaysia. But honestly, they’re not exactly easy to find.

Here’s what they look like:

• Medium-sized (not too big, not too small)
• Crested head—hence that alternative name
• Feathers with distinctive eye-spot patterns
• Coloration that’s pretty subdued compared to true peacocks

Like their relatives, these birds have decorative “eyespots” on their feathers.

They’re not as over-the-top as those on a true peacock, but still, males use them for courtship displays when they’re trying to impress the females.

Conservation is a real concern here—habitat loss is a big threat, so protecting these forests is crucial if this species is going to stick around.

Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Pheasants