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Description of the species
The Lady Amherst's pheasant (lat. Chrysolophus amherstiae) - a member of the ruffed pheasants genus. Its natural range lies in East Asia, which is the origin of this bird with a truly fantastical multicolored plumage. In 1828 the species was brought to England, where it acclimatized and still lives today. The male is considered one of the most striking birds: its plumage combines blue and green tones with black, white, red, and yellow. The black-and-white barred tail is longer than the body. The female, unlike the male, is much more plainly colored.
Range
Lady Amherst's pheasant occurs in southwest China (the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan), in the northeast of Myanmar, and in the southeastern parts of Tibet. Wild populations also live in the English counties of Bedford, Buckingham, and Hertford.
Lifestyle
In its Asian homeland, Lady Amherst's pheasant inhabits remote mountain slopes at 2000-3600 meters above sea level. In some areas, such as China’s Yunnan Province, it can be found as high as 4600 meters. The birds usually keep to dense thorny thickets and bamboo forests. During very cold winters they seek shelter from mountain frosts and winds in sunny valleys.
In the United Kingdom, the birds breed in very different conditions. They favor coniferous forests where the trees are under thirty years old, hiding beneath the lower branches of young trees. Sunlight barely penetrates these shelters and the ground beneath is free of vegetation. They also occur in deciduous and mixed forests and are fond of dense blackberry thickets.
Breeding
Males begin the breeding season with a remarkably beautiful dance. Cocks circle the hens and try to block their path, then suddenly rush toward their chosen female, coming close enough to touch heads. They display their luxuriant black-and-white “ruffed collars,” which cover the head entirely so that only the red crest is visible.
Drooping the wing on the hen’s side while raising the other, the male spreads himself in front of her so she can see the green shoulders and the red-yellow feathers on the tail. The tail fans wide, its tips a bright red, and lifts upward. Pheasants only mate after the courtship ritual is complete.
The male does not take part in raising the brood but stays nearby. A clutch usually contains up to twelve cream-white eggs. The nest is a simple hollow in the ground. After 22-24 days of incubation, the chicks hatch, immediately stand up, run, and begin to forage. The hen remains vigilant, cares for the chicks, and keeps them warm at night.
Buy Lady Amherst's pheasant: ordering and shipping
You can purchase Lady Amherst's pheasants from our farm. Delivery across Ukraine. To check availability and delivery, contact us via Viber, Telegram, or by phone 050-182-27-27.
Common questions
How does Lady Amherst's pheasant differ from the golden pheasant?
Lady Amherst's pheasant has a pronounced black-and-white ruff and a strongly barred tail, while the golden pheasant features dominant golden and red tones with a smooth golden crest.
Can several males be kept together?
Conflicts are possible during the breeding season, so it is better to use separate sections or provide a larger area with visual barriers.
What is the minimum temperature for keeping them?
They tolerate cold if the litter is dry and there is wind protection. In severe frosts, use an insulated shelter and avoid dampness.
When does the male get its bright plumage?
The final coloration forms by the second year; juveniles have a less contrasting pattern at first.