Blood Pheasant

The Blood Pheasant, a small and distinctive member of the pheasant family, presents a rather striking appearance. With a length of approximately 43 cm, it is characterized by a short, convex, and robust black bill, a feathered region between the bill and eye, and a modest crest adorned with feathers of varying hues. The plumage on its upper parts is a dark ash color, each feather marked with a white shaft. The wing coverts are tinged with green and feature prominent white streaks. The chin bears a deep crimson hue, while the breast, belly, and flanks are adorned with lance-shaped feathers of varying lengths, their tips green with crimson edges, creating an effect reminiscent of blood spatters. The tail is composed of 12 nearly equal feathers, predominantly white with rounded ends and rich crimson red coverts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Blood Pheasant, look for red feet and a distinctive ring of bare skin around the eye, which is usually crimson but can be orange in some subspecies. The females are more uniformly colored, generally dull brown with possible gray on the nape. The subspecies differ mainly in the plumage of the males, particularly in the amount of red or black on the throat, forehead, neck, chest, and tail, as well as the presence or absence of rufous in the wings.

Habitat

Blood Pheasants inhabit the mountainous regions, preferring coniferous or mixed forests and scrub areas near the snowline. They adjust their range seasonally, residing at higher elevations during the summer months.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the eastern Himalayas, found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and northern Myanmar.

Behaviour

Blood Pheasants are monogamous birds. During the breeding season, males engage in courtship displays that include flying at each other breast-to-breast, biting wattles, or performing high leaps with kicks directed at the other's bill. Females select mates based on tail length, ear tuft length, and the presence of black points in the wattle.

Breeding

The breeding season commences at the end of April. Females nest under paddy straw heaps, in brush, small caves, or tree holes near the ground. They lay 4-14 yellowish-white, brown-speckled eggs, which are incubated for 27-33 days. Males defend the territory during this period.

Conservation status

The Blood Pheasant is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting, and human disturbance, particularly due to livestock grazing in protected areas. Their ground-nesting habits and lengthy incubation make them susceptible to trampling and habitat degradation.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within its genus, as the Blood Pheasant is the sole representative of the genus Ithaginis.

Diet and Feeding

Blood Pheasants forage along the snow line, consuming moss, ferns, pine shoots, and lichens. Their diet and foraging behavior are adapted to the high-elevation environments they inhabit.