Size: Length; 65cm.

Habitat and distribution: Mountain forests of the central Malaysian peninsula.

Groups and breeding: Thought to be solitary for the majority of the year but coming together into pairs or groups. Mating occurs with a succession of mates. Two eggs are laid which hatch after around 20 days.

Diet: Berries and insects such as beetles and ants.

• The Malaysian Wildlife Department has established an international conservation breeding programme with the World Pheasant Association to try to ensure the continued survival of this species. A number of UK-bred birds have recently been returned to Malaysia to strengthen the wild population.
• Peacock Pheasants get their name from the eye spots (ocelli) on their tails, much like those seen on a peacock’s tail.

• Peacock Pheasants can grow more than one spur, hence their Latin name Polyplectron meaning many spurred.
• This is one of the 155 species which form the Phasianidae family (pheasants and partridges).
• The Red Junglefowl, another pheasant species, is the ancestor of the domestic chicken.
• The Grey Partridge is the only pheasant species that occurs naturally in Great Britain.
• Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant, Indian Peafowl and Red-legged Partridge were all introduced into this country for sport and the dinner plate.
• Females are generally less colourful than males; this offers the female camouflage whilst incubating eggs.
• Male plumage is much more colourful, and used in display to attract females.