Lemon Pheasant
Lemon pheasant is a selectively bred color morph of the golden pheasant, with males distinguished by intensely yellow plumage, a long lemon-colored crest, and a bright “hood.” Females are much more subdued in color, with pale yellow tones and streaks that provide better camouflage.
Appearance
Male: long lemon-yellow crest, yellowish-orange “hood,” yellow back and underparts, tail with characteristic pattern; total length including tail up to ~100 cm.
Female: more uniform and lighter in color, pale yellow and brownish-yellow shades with speckles; overall appearance is much less bright than the male.
Habitat and Care
Origin: the base species is the golden pheasant, native to China; the lemon coloration is established through selective breeding and is mostly seen in captivity.
Where kept: private aviaries, ornamental bird breeders, and zoos. For stable coloration and calm behavior, spacious dry enclosures with shelters are recommended.
Behavioral traits: during the breeding season, males can show aggression — separate sections or individual aviaries are recommended during this period.