36 images of Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is a large bird, tail size 17–19·5 cm and weight about 930–1135 g.

36 images of Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is a large bird, tail size 17–19·5 cm and weight about 930–1135 g.

The koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is a species of gamebird closely related to progenitive grouse that lived during the Miocene. The male of this species measures between 58–64 cm in length, with a tail spanning 22–28 cm, and typically weighs between 1135–1415 g. In comparison, the female is slightly smaller, measuring 52·5–56 cm in length, featuring a tail size of 17–19·5 cm, and weighing between 930–1135 g. The males exhibit a striking appearance with a bottle-green head, prominent ear tufts, a chestnut-colored breast, and a streaked body.

Both males and females are medium-sized pheasants with fully feathered faces. On the other hand, females have a white throat, short buff ear tufts, and a streaked body. In both sexes, the tail is wedge-shaped.

Juveniles, including first-year males, closely resemble adult females.

The koklass pheasant is a medium-sized and elusive bird that is primarily found in high-altitude forests. Its range extends from Afghanistan to central Nepal, and it can also be located in northeastern Tibet as well as northern and eastern China.

This species primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed forests situated in steep terrain. They often roost in trees and can be found at altitudes ranging from 1600 m to 4000 m.

Their diet consists of a diverse range of foods, including seeds, acorns, berries, buds, insects, and worms. While loose flocks are known to form in winter, they are generally observed as solitary individuals or in pairs. Their foraging activity is most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Breeding for this species typically occurs between April and June in the Himalayas. Their nests are scrapes in the ground, situated under dense cover, and are lined to some extent with twigs and leaves. Clutches usually consist of 5–7 eggs, and the incubation period, which lasts for 26–27 days, is carried out solely by the female.

 

This bird is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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