Knowra Golden pheasant Golden pheasant The golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is a brightly colored pheasant native to forests in western China. Males have a golden crest and striking red-and-gold plumage, while females are chiefly brown.
Chrysolophus : A genus of pheasants native to China, comprising the golden pheasant and Lady Amherst's pheasant. The golden pheasant is one of the two species in this genus.
Courtship display : A behavior used by an animal to attract or assess a potential mate. The male's colorful plumage is presented during courtship.
Aviculture : The keeping and breeding of birds in captivity, especially for conservation, study, or display. Golden pheasants are commonly kept and bred by aviculturists.
Western China : The inland region of China that includes highlands, basins, and extensive mountain systems. The golden pheasant's native range lies in forested parts of this region.
Galliformes : An order of mostly ground-dwelling birds that includes pheasants, chickens, turkeys, and grouse. This order places the golden pheasant among familiar gamebirds and their relatives.
Sexual selection : Natural selection arising from differences in success at obtaining mates. Mate choice helps explain the evolution of the male's conspicuous colors.
Pheasant : A group of large, mostly ground-dwelling birds in the family Phasianidae, often with long tails. The golden pheasant is one of the best-known pheasant species.
Temperate forest : A forest biome in regions with distinct seasons and moderate annual temperatures. The species inhabits temperate forests with dense cover and understory.
Phasianidae : A family of birds that includes pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, and Old World quail. The golden pheasant belongs to this diverse family of terrestrial birds.
Feather : A lightweight keratin structure that forms the plumage and flight surfaces of birds. Pigments and feather structure together produce the male's distinctive coloration.
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