The kalij pheasant, or simply kalij, is a pheasant found in forests and thickets, especially in the Himalayan foothills, from Nepal, Pakistan to western Thailand. Males are rather variable depending on the subspecies involved, but all have at least partially glossy bluish-black plumage, while females are overall brownish. Both sexes have a bare red face and greyish legs. It is generally widespread, though three of its eastern subspecies are considered threatened and L. l. moffitti is virtually unknown in the wild.
Region
Himalayan foothills and adjacent South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern Pakistan and northern India through Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh into northern Myanmar and western Thailand. Prefers forested hillsides, dense thickets, and secondary growth, often near water and along forest edges. It tolerates disturbed habitats and can be found near plantations and village fringes. Birds typically remain on or near the ground, moving between cover and open patches to feed.
Altitude Range
200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Kalij pheasants are highly variable across many subspecies, with males ranging from glossy blue-black to black with white or gray highlights and a bushy crest. They are largely terrestrial, foraging by scratching through leaf litter. The species hybridizes locally with the Silver Pheasant where ranges meet. It has been introduced to parts of Hawaii, where it has established stable feral populations.
Close-up of a male's head, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, especially outside the breeding season. Breeding typically involves a territorial male and one or more females depending on subspecies and habitat quality. Nests are shallow ground scrapes concealed in dense vegetation, where the female incubates while the male keeps watch nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, metallic kek-kek series and crowing calls, often delivered at dawn. Males also produce loud wing-whirring displays when startled or during territorial signaling.
Plumage
Males show glossy bluish-black plumage with a shaggy crest and variable pale streaking or whitish rump depending on subspecies; females are brown, mottled, and cryptic with finer barring. Both sexes have bare facial skin.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, grains, berries, and shoots, supplemented with insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, and occasionally small snails or other invertebrates. It scratches vigorously in leaf litter to uncover food items. Seasonal availability of fruits and invertebrates influences diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the forest floor along trails, edges, and clearings, often near dense cover for quick escape. It readily uses secondary growth and lightly disturbed habitats.
