Blue Eared Pheasant
Crossoptilon auritum
蓝马鸡
Introduction
A pheasant endemic to the mountain forests of central China. It maintains a stable population within its limited range and is evaluated as of least concern. It inhabits high-altitude forest environments where it forages primarily on berries and vegetable matter. The species has dark blue-gray plumage and white ear coverts.
Description
This species displays dark blue-gray plumage throughout its body, complemented by a velvet black crown on the head. The facial area features red feathers that appear as bare skin, surrounding a striking yellow iris. Behind the eyes are long white ear coverts that are particularly distinctive. The legs are a vivid crimson color. Its tail consists of 24 elongated bluish-gray feathers that are curved, loose in structure, and dark-tipped. Both sexes have similar plumage, though the male is slightly larger, with individuals reaching up to 96 cm in length.
Distribution & Habitat
Restricted to the mountain forests of central China, this pheasant inhabits high-altitude forested regions within its endemic range.
Behavior & Ecology
The diet consists primarily of berries and vegetable matter, which this species forages for within its forest habitat.
Conservation
Although considered rare within its limited range, this species is evaluated as of least concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently maintains a stable population despite its restricted distribution.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Crossoptilon
- eBird Code
- blephe1
Distribution
montane forest of north-central China
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.