Grey Peacock-Pheasant

Overview

The grey peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum), also known as the Burmese peacock-pheasant, is a large Asian member of the order Galliformes. It is classified as a Species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List but is listed on CITES Appendix II to restrict trade in wild-caught birds.

Identification

• Up to 76 cm long and greyish brown with finely spotted green eyespots
• Elongated bushy crest and bare pink or yellow facial skin
• White throat with a grey iris, bill, and legs
• Sexes are similar, though females are smaller, darker, and less ornamented

Habitat

Found in lowland and hill forests across Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Southeast Asia. Its distribution excludes most of Indochina and the entire Malayan Peninsula.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of seeds, termites, fruits, and invertebrates.

Did you know?

The genus name Polyplectron combines Ancient Greek words meaning 'many' and 'cock's spur', while the specific epithet bicalcaratum refers to the two spurs found on the bird.