Species Spotlight: Grey Peacock Pheasant
Alex Levitskiy
During this terribly cold spell, I have selected the Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) as this week’s featured species. The Grey Peacock Pheasant is native to south-east Asia. The males of this species have an overall grey body that is dappled with tiny white dots. The wings are covered with ocelli that are purple ( they can change to appear blue depending on the lighting) and outlined in black. The ocelli feathers are tipped with white and the ocelli themselves become larger the closer they are to the tail. The tail consists of tail feathers that are blocked off on the end and have two blue-green, large ocelli. The breast is a pattern of white and black scallops that lead up to a white chin. The crest is elongated and bushy looking. During a display the crest is extended over the beak, the wings are raised to show off the ocelli, and the tail is opened. The hallmark feature of individuals belonging to the genus Polyplectron are the spurs, which males can have multiple sets of. The hens are mostly grey, but they also have ocelli; however, their ocelli are mostly black with a speck of purple. The wing feathers are edged with white. The hens have a tail with elongated purple ocelli, although their tail is shorter than that of the males. They too have a white chin. Both sexes have grey legs.
Grey Peacock Pheasants are considered Least Concern by the IUCN, and they are the most commonly kept Peacock Pheasant in captivity. Being a tropical species, they are unable to take the cold very well, although they are the most cold-hardy Peacock Pheasant. If someone wants to work with Peacock Pheasants, it would be the wisest choice to acquire Grey Peacock Pheasants first. They are an enjoyable species to own, and they do not need a large pen to be content. As with any Peacock Pheasant, the Grey Peacock Pheasant is awesome for the aviculturist with an obsession for tropical pheasants.
Photo Credit: Alex Levitskiy
Grey Peacock Pheasant Male
Grey Peacock Pheasant Hen
