Golden Pheasant

The golden pheasant, also known as the Chinese pheasant, and rainbow pheasant, is a gamebird of the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae. The genus name is from Ancient Greek khrusolophos, "with golden crest", and pictus is Latin for "painted" from pingere, "to paint". Golden pheasants live in densely forested regions, usually in the mountains. They live in temperate forests and shrublands. However, in areas where feral populations live, they can survive in various types of forests and urban areas. ‍In Chinese culture, the golden pheasant is thought to be the ancestor of the phoenix, and represents auspiciousness. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the robes of high-ranked bureaucrats were emblazoned with images of the golden pheasant as a symbol of their power and authority.

Scientific name: Chrysolophus pictus

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population decreasing)

Mass: 1.2 lbs

Clutch size: 8 – 12

Length: 3 – 3.4 ft. (Male, Adult), 2 – 2.6 ft. (Female, Adult)

Family: Phasianidae

Kingdom: Animalia