Mikado Pheasant
The Mikado Pheasant is a gamebird in the Pheasant family endemic to the mountains of central Taiwan. It is revered as the national bird of Taiwan and often referred to locally as “king of the mist”.
The male Mikado pheasant is a beautiful bird indeed with its dark plumage that refracts with blue or violet iridescence. He also has white stripes on its wings and tail. The female Mikado pheasant is less showy but still a fascinating bird with her olive-brown plumage which is specked with brown and white quills. Both sexes have grey legs and crimson-red face wattles which are brighter in males.
Eggs-laying is thought to occur from late March until mid-July, into a nest made of dry leaves, grass and feathers. The female Mikado pheasant lays five to ten eggs per clutch, and incubates them for 28 days. She is solely responsible for the incubation and nurture of fledglings until they reach the point of independence.
Place of origin | Taiwan |
Use | Game hunting and ornamental |
Weight | Male: mean 1300 g female: mean 1015 g |
Egg color | Creamy white |