White Eared-Pheasant

     The White Eared-Pheasant is a large Pheasant which is native to China. It’s found in many Chinese areas that mainly include; south-eastern Tibet, western Szechuan, southern Qinghai, and north-western Yunnan. Like other Eared-Pheasants (the Blue Eared-Pheasant and the White Eared-Pheasant) the White Eared-Pheasant is a heavy digger and uses its large, heavy bill to forage for grubs, insects and roots.

    The White Eared-Pheasant is a striking bird with its snowy-white plumage, and velvety black crown. It also has a dark bluish-black tail, bare red facial skin, and crimson legs. Unlike other Eared-Pheasant species, White Eared-Pheasants have quite small ear tufts, and their tails are shorter and less ornate. Although male and female birds are virtually identical, White Eared-hens can be distinguished from cocks by their slightly smaller size and darker and browner plumage.

     There are five subspecies for the White Eared-Pheasant that mainly vary in the extent of grey on their plumage. These birds usually breed from late April to June in their second year. The White Eared-hen lays 4 – 7 eggs per clutch and incubates them for 24 – 25 days.