Brown Eared Pheasant

The brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) is a large pheasant, 83–110 cm in length. The body is dark brown overall, with the head and neck black and bare bright red facial skin. Long, stiff white ear tufts emerge from the sides of the head, forming a bundle. Both sexes are similar in colouration. The species is endemic to the mountain forests of northern China. It is similar to the blue eared pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum), but differs in having dark brown (rather than blue) body overall and white lower back and tail. == Description == === Measurements and shape === === Plumage === The crown feathers are velvety and dark brown, and the neck is also dark brown with a faint, narrow white band across the nape. The base of the forehead is white with black tips. The area behind the nostrils and the ear coverts are white. The ear feathers form stiff bundles that extend backward and project above the head and neck, resembling a pair of horns. The sides of the head are bare and bright red, covered with small wart-like bumps. The upper back and shoulders are glossy brown, with feather tips loose and hair-like. The lower back…