Chinese Pheasant: The Prototype of The Phoenix
     

    2022-09-21 by Sichuan International Communication Center

    The Chinese pheasant is the most gorgeous type of Phasianidae, famous for the flamboyant feathers of the male pheasants. There're two kinds of Chinese pheasants: Chrysolophus pictus and Chrysolophus amherstiae. The Chrysolophus pictus, as the national secondary protected animal, is exclusive to China. The ancient Chinese people envisioned the phoenix, the symbol of good fortune, based on the Chinese pheasant.

    The male Chrysolophus pictus look flamboyant. They have golden yellow comb and brown hindneck. Apart from the dark green back and crimson waist, their body is almost golden yellow.

    The male Chrysolophus amherstiae's head, back, and breast are bright green with metallic luster. On their head there's a carmine hairy comb shaped like a braid hanging down on the neck. Their belly is silvery white and the tail is silvery grey chequered with black and white veins.