Great Argus

Overview

The great argus (Argusianus argus) is a large species of pheasant native to the jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. It is renowned for its impressive plumage and elaborate courtship behaviour.

Identification

• Brown-plumaged pheasant with a blue head and neck, rufous red upper breast, and black hair-like feathers on the crown and nape.
• Males measure 160–200 cm in total length, including a tail of 105–143 cm, with huge, elongated secondary wing feathers decorated with large eyespots.
• Females are smaller (72–76 cm total length) and duller, with shorter tails and fewer eyespots.
• Red legs.

Habitat

Native to the jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia.

Diet

It feeds on the forest floor in early morning and evening.

Did you know?

Despite displays similar to polygamous birds, the great argus has been discovered to be actually monogamous.