Koklass Pheasant

The Koklass Pheasant, Pucrasia macrolopha, is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. Males are adorned with silver-grey plumage streaked with velvety-black, a black head, chestnut breast, and prominent white patches on the sides of the neck. Females are less conspicuous, with pale brown plumage. Both sexes boast elongated tails tipped with pale feathers.

Identification Tips

Adult males weigh approximately 1135–1415 grams and measure 58 to 64 centimeters in length, while females are slightly smaller at 1025–1135 grams and 18–22 centimeters. The unique combination of a black head, chestnut breast, and white neck patches in males, along with the elongated tail in both sexes, aids in identification.

Habitat

Koklass Pheasants inhabit high altitude forests, preferring the cover of dense vegetation. They do not venture above the tree line.

Distribution

This species ranges from Afghanistan to central Nepal, and from northeastern Tibet to northern and eastern China. The subspecies P. m. biddulphi is found from Kashmir to Kullu in India.

Behaviour

Koklass Pheasants are known for their ability to fly uphill and can sustain long flights. They are monogamous with a slight inclination towards social polyandry. Both parents are involved in rearing the chicks. They roost in trees or under rock overhangs and remain in pairs or small family groups throughout the year.

Song & Calls

The Koklass Pheasant's territorial call, from which its name is onomatopoeically derived, is a distinctive feature. Loud chorus calls are made during the breeding season and autumn, often before dawn.

Breeding

These birds are monogamous and both parents participate in chick-rearing. They nest on the ground in their forested habitats.

Diet and Feeding

Koklass Pheasants are largely vegetarian, consuming pine nuts, shoots, bamboo shoots, and seeds. They become highly insectivorous during the warmer months, feeding almost exclusively on ants, and also consume catkins, pollen, and fruit.

Conservation status

The Koklass Pheasant is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.