Crossoptilon auritum
The Blue Eared Pheasant, *Crossoptilon auritum*, is a magnificent large pheasant endemic to the mountainous regions of central China. It is characterized by its striking blue-gray body plumage, a velvety black cap, prominent red facial skin, and distinctive white ear tufts that project backwards from behind its eyes, giving the species its 'eared' moniker. Males typically measure around 96 cm (38 inches) in length, including their exceptionally long, stiff, and often iridescent blue-green dec...
Found primarily in high-altitude coniferous and mixed forests, subalpine scrublands, and alpine meadows, typically between 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500-13,000 feet) elevation.
Their diet is predominantly vegetarian, consisting of roots, tubers, bulbs, moss, lichens, seeds, grains, and berries, supplemented with insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.
Blue Eared Pheasants are diurnal, spending their mornings and late afternoons foraging, then roosting communally in trees or dense undergrowth at night. They are accomplished diggers, using their strong feet and bills to scratch and unearth roots, tubers, and invertebrates from the soil. During t...
The Blue Eared Pheasant is endemic to a relatively restricted mountainous region of central China, primarily inhabiting the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, and Sichuan. Its range is centered on the eastern Tibetan Plateau and associated mountain systems, such as the Qilian and Min Mountains...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *auritum*, means 'eared' in Latin, referring to its prominent white ear tufts. - Unlike many pheasants, Blue Eared Pheasants are highly social outside the breeding season, forming large flocks of up to 50 birds. - They are exceptional diggers, using their strong feet and be...