Blue Eared Pheasant

Identification

The blue eared pheasant is a large, distinctive pheasant measuring around 96 cm in length, including a notably long tail of 49–56 cm. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females, weighing 1700–2110 g compared to females' 1450–1880 g. The species is immediately recognizable by its striking plumage: dark blue-grey feathers with a striking velvet black crown, bright red facial wattles of bare skin surrounding the eyes, and a pale pink bill. Perhaps most notably, it possesses long white ear coverts that extend below and behind the eyes, giving the species its common name. The iris is yellow, and the legs are a vivid crimson. The tail, comprising 24 elongated bluish-grey feathers, is notably curved, loose, and dark-tipped, with the outer five pairs of tail feathers displaying a distinctive white base. Both sexes share similar plumage patterns, though males possess short spurs on their legs.

Range & Habitat

Endemic to China, the blue eared pheasant inhabits the mountain forests of central China, with a distribution positioned geographically to the northeast of the closely related white eared pheasant and southwest of the brown eared pheasant. The species shows a marked preference for juniper scrub within alpine meadows, occurring at high altitudes between 2700–4400 m. This specialized alpine habitat preference makes the species dependent on the specific conditions of central China's mountainous regions.

Behaviour & Diet

The blue eared pheasant is primarily herbivorous, with its diet consisting mainly of berries and vegetable matter, which account for approximately 80% of its food intake. The remaining 20% of its diet comprises insects, particularly beetles, making it an opportunistic forager that supplements its plant-based diet with available invertebrates.

Best Time & Places to See It

As an endemic species found only in central China's mountain forests, the blue eared pheasant can be observed in its specialized alpine meadow and juniper scrub habitat within the 2700–4400 m altitude zone. Although the species is considered rare, it maintains a conservation status of least concern, suggesting populations remain stable. Birdwatchers and wildlife travelers should focus their efforts on the high-altitude mountain regions of central China where juniper scrub habitat is present.

Photography Tips

The blue eared pheasant's striking coloration and distinctive features make it a compelling photographic subject. The contrast between the dark plumage, white ear coverts, red facial wattles, and crimson legs provides excellent opportunities for vibrant wildlife photography. The bird's large size and the characteristic curved tail feathers present opportunities to capture its elegant form. Photographers should be prepared for the high-altitude alpine conditions of its habitat and should exercise patience, as the species' rarity and preference for juniper scrub environments may require dedication to locate and photograph.