Grey Peacock-Pheasant

The Grey Peacock-Pheasant, also known as the Burmese Peacock-Pheasant, is a large bird native to Asia and a member of the Galliformes order. It is a creature of considerable beauty, adorned with finely spotted green eyespots on its greyish-brown plumage, an elongated bushy crest, and a white throat. The facial skin is bare, revealing a pink or yellow hue, and the bird's iris, bill, and legs share a uniform grey coloration.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for the distinctive eyespots on the plumage and the elongated crest. Males are more ornate than females, who are smaller, darker, and less adorned. Juveniles bear a resemblance to the female.

Habitat

The Grey Peacock-Pheasant favors the lowland and hill forests as its natural habitat, where it can be found foraging on the forest floor.

Distribution

This species is found across a range of countries, including Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Southeast Asia, though it is notably absent from most of Indochina and the Malayan Peninsula.

Behaviour

The Grey Peacock-Pheasant is known for its terrestrial habits, often seen scratching at the forest floor in search of sustenance.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of this bird is quite varied, consisting mainly of seeds, termites, fruits, and invertebrates. The female typically lays two eggs, which she will incubate and raise with care.

Conservation status

The Grey Peacock-Pheasant is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population. However, it is listed on CITES Appendix II, which suggests that while it is not immediately threatened with extinction, trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with its survival.