II. Birds of Splendor
Golden pheasant
Index Naturae
IN 1.55.02-J
Golden pheasant
Chrysolophus pictus
Young portrait
II. Birds of Splendor
Field notes
The golden pheasant’s most brilliant colours belong to the male’s courtship display. He spreads his orange neck ruff and turns before the female, transforming familiar feathers into a dramatic cape. Away from display, these birds forage on the ground for seeds, shoots and invertebrates.
- Range
- Native to central and western China; introduced populations occur outside that range.
- Habitat
- Mountain woodland and forest edges with dense undergrowth and bamboo.
Conservation
Hunting and habitat change can affect populations within China. Research has identified fragmentation of suitable habitat, especially outside reserves, showing why a familiar bird in aviaries still depends on protection of its native landscape.
Sources & conservation context
- Paignton Zoo — Golden Pheasant
- Perth Zoo — Golden Pheasant
- Suitable Habitats of Chrysolophus spp. Need Urgent Protection from Habitat Fragmentation in China (2022)
Source review: 6 October 2026. Assessment dates, where given, belong to the cited source.