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Description of the species
The crested fireback (lat. Lophura ignita) is a pheasant of the family Phasianidae. Males reach a total length of 65-70 cm, with 24-30 cm accounted for by the tail, and weigh about 1.81-2.5 kg. Male plumage is black with a purplish metallic sheen; the back, lower back, flanks and belly show rich velvety red tones. The tail is blue-black, with the two central rectrices yellowish-brown. A short black crest forms a tuft on the head, and there is a broad area of bare blue skin around the eye. Legs are usually gray, sometimes with a reddish cast; the bill is yellowish-white.
Females are smaller - about 56-57 cm long, tail 15-20 cm, mass 1.35-1.6 kg. The upperparts and crest are chestnut-brown with a faint reddish hue and darker markings; the underparts are brown with whitish feather edging, while the lower belly, chin and throat are white.
Range
Inhabits lowland forests of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra, favoring humid tropical forests with dense undergrowth.
Diet
An omnivorous forager: feeds on seeds, fruits and berries, as well as insects and their larvae, mostly gathered on the ground and within the understory.
Breeding
In the wild, a clutch of seven eggs has been documented. Both parents incubate. Young birds attain sexual maturity roughly in their third year.
Subspecies
- Lophura ignita ignita (Shaw, 1718)
- Lophura ignita nobilis (Sclater, 1863)
Buy a crested fireback: ordering and shipping
You can purchase crested firebacks 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 the crested fireback differ from Edwards’s pheasant
The fireback male shows striking red back and flanks contrasting with a dark base, whereas Edwards’s male is more uniformly blue-black without the “fireback” coloration.
Can it be housed with other pheasants
Separate sections with visual barriers are recommended, especially in the breeding season, to prevent conflicts.
What aviary conditions are optimal
Warm, dry aviary with shade, dense shrub cover for shelter, dry litter, and constant access to clean water and mineral supplements.
What to feed in captivity
A pheasant feed base supplemented with seasonal fruits and berries, seeds, and a source of animal protein as needed.