Lophura erythrophthalma
The Malayan Crestless Fireback, Lophura erythrophthalma, is a strikingly beautiful yet incredibly elusive pheasant species endemic to the lowland rainforests of Southeast Asia. Males are instantly recognizable by their iridescent, glossy blue-black plumage, starkly contrasting with vivid crimson facial skin and grayish-white legs, typically measuring around 50 cm in length. Females present a more cryptic appearance, with duller dark brown, finely barred plumage, and less prominent reddish fac...
This species primarily inhabits lowland primary and mature secondary rainforests, often favoring areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water, typically at elevations below 300 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of invertebrates such as ants, termites, grubs, and other small insects, supplemented with fallen fruits and seeds gleaned from the forest floor.
The Malayan Crestless Fireback is an exceptionally shy and terrestrial bird, usually observed singly or in pairs, foraging quietly on the forest floor. They are most active during the cooler hours of early morning and late afternoon, spending their nights roosting communally or individually high ...
The Malayan Crestless Fireback (Lophura erythrophthalma sensu stricto) is endemic to the Malay Peninsula, ranging from southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia, and also found on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. A closely related form, often considered a subspecies (L. e. pyronota) or a dis...
Vulnerable
- The Malayan Crestless Fireback is one of the few species in the genus Lophura that entirely lacks a crest, a feature common to most of its relatives. - Its scientific name, *erythrophthalma*, literally means 'red-eyed', referring to its striking crimson facial skin. - Despite its bold male plum...