Reeves’s Pheasant

Reeves's Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii)

Reeves's pheasant is a species of bird from the pheasant family. Its scientific name honors the British naturalist John Reeves (1774–1856), who brought the first live male of this species to Europe in 1831.

Appearance

Males can reach a total length of up to 210 cm thanks to an exceptionally long tail of 100–160 cm (sometimes up to 173 cm), with a weight of up to 1529 g. Females are smaller — up to 150 cm in total length, tail 35–46 cm, weight around 950 g. Plumage is dark brown; head is black with a white “cap” and a wide white ring from throat to nape. Wings are light with black-edged feathers, belly and lower chest are dark brown. Tail features alternating black and silvery-gray cross stripes. Legs are lead-gray, and the beak is light gray.

Distribution

Reeves's pheasants inhabit mountainous forests of central and northeastern China at elevations of 300–1800 m above sea level. They are less frequently found in valleys and gorges. They prefer deciduous forests, especially oak groves with dense canopies and sparse undergrowth, as well as coniferous forests and shrubs. Foraging may extend to the edges of cultivated lands.

Diet

In autumn and winter, their diet mainly consists of acorns, rosehip, and cornelian cherry fruits. In the wild, it is supplemented with seasonally available plant foods and small invertebrates.

Breeding

Clutches usually contain 7–15 eggs, ranging from yellowish to beige, with average dimensions around 46 × 37 mm. Incubation lasts approximately 24–25 days. In captivity, the species can hybridize with some other pheasants and produce viable offspring.