The grey peacock-pheasant, also known as Burmese peacock-pheasant, is a large Asian member of the order Galliformes.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern India and southern China (notably Yunnan and Guangxi) through Myanmar into western and northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It inhabits dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often with bamboo thickets and thick understory. The species prefers secluded forest floors with ample leaf litter for foraging and cover. It tolerates selectively logged and secondary forests if understory remains dense.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Burmese peacock-pheasant, this ground-dwelling bird is named for the male’s shimmering eye-like ocelli on the upperparts and tail. The species epithet “bicalcaratum” refers to the male’s two tarsal spurs. Males perform dramatic courtship displays, fanning the tail, erecting the crest, and producing wing-claps to showcase their iridescent spots.
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Largely monogamous, with males performing elaborate displays including tail-fanning, crest-raising, and wing-clapping. Nests are simple ground scrapes hidden in dense vegetation; clutches are small and well-camouflaged.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males give far-carrying, low, mellow whistles interspersed with sharp notes, especially at dawn. Display may be accompanied by audible wing-claps and soft booming hoots in forested settings.
Plumage
Finely vermiculated grey-brown plumage with numerous metallic, eye-like ocelli on the upperparts and tail; texture appears scaled with subtle iridescence in males.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds, fallen fruits, and tender shoots, supplemented with insects such as ants, beetles, and termites. Also takes worms and small mollusks when available. Forages by scratching through leaf litter and probing soft soil.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages on the forest floor in dense understory, bamboo, and along quiet trails or stream edges. Avoids open areas, staying near thick cover for quick concealment.
