| Tibetan Eared Pheasant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | Elwes' Eared Pheasant |
| Range | southeast Tibet and adjacent northern India. |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae Phasianinae |
| Genus | Crossoptilon |
| Species | Crossoptilon harmani |
| Conservation Status | |
 Near Threatened | |
The Tibetan eared pheasant (Crossoptilon harmani), also called Elwes' eared pheasant, is a species of pheasant in the Phasianidae family. It is found in southeast Tibet and adjacent northern India. Usually 3,000 and 5,000 m (9,800 and 16,400 ft) elevation, but has been seen down to 2,280 m (7,500 ft) in winter.
Description[]
The Tibetan eared pheasant shares many characteristics, such as the short ears and the droopy tail, with the white eared pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon), as well as having similar calls and hybridising with it in the Salween Valley, so the two may be conspecific. The Tibetan eared pheasant grows to a length of between 75 and 85 cm (30 and 33 in), with females being slightly smaller than males. The sexes are similar. The beak is reddish-brown, the irises yellowish-orange and the bare facial skin is red, as are the legs. The head is topped with a crown of black, dense short feathers, on either side of which are short, non-projecting ear-tufts. The rest of the head and nape, and a thin collar are white. The rest of the body, wings and tail are bluish-grey, the mantle, neck and breast being of a darker shade whereas the lower back, rump, upper tail coverts and belly are paler whitish-grey. The wings are blackish-brown and the tail bluish-black.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The range is restricted to Tibet, northern India and northern Bhutan. Its typical habitat is dense scrubby areas in river valleys, grassy hillsides and the verges of both coniferous and deciduous woodland. Although sometimes found at elevations as low as 2,400 m (7,900 ft), it usually occurs between about 3,000 and 5,000 m (9,800 and 16,400 ft).
Ecology[]
This pheasant usually forms groups of up to ten individuals. It feeds on the ground, foraging through the plant debris and grasses near woodland edges and among the rhododendron and juniper scrub. In areas where it is hunted it may be elusive, retreating into the undergrowth or flying off downhill when scared, but where unmolested it can be quite bold. The birds are believed to be monogamous, with breeding taking place between May and July. One nest was discovered under a fallen tree trunk; it was made from bark and pulp with a mossy lining. The female seems to be solely responsible for incubating the eggs, but both sexes have been observed feeding the chicks.
Status[]
Crossoptilon harmani is rated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being a "near threatened species". This is because its natural habitat is being cleared and in many areas the birds are hunted. Another factor in the possible decline of the population is a reduction in the number of suitable places for roosting.