Lady Amherst's pheasant is a bird of the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae. The genus name is from Ancient Greek khrusolophos, "with golden crest". The English name and amherstiae commemorates Sarah Amherst, who was responsible for sending the first specimen of the bird to London in 1828. It is also sometimes referred to as the Chinese copper pheasant. Lady Amherst's pheasant is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Region
Southwestern China and northern Myanmar
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane forests with dense understory, especially in mixed conifer–broadleaf woods and extensive bamboo thickets. Prefers steep slopes, forest edges, and regenerating secondary growth where cover is abundant. Often forages along trails, clearings, and scrubby ravines. Historical introduced populations in the United Kingdom have mostly disappeared.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Named after Sarah, Countess Amherst, who sent the first specimen to London in 1828, this striking pheasant is often kept in aviaries but remains a wild species, not domesticated. A small introduced population once persisted in southern England but is now largely extirpated. Males display an ornate black-and-white ruff and extremely long barred tail during courtship, while females are much more cryptic.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive takeoff
Social Behavior
Generally ground-dwelling and elusive, often seen singly or in small loose groups. During breeding, males perform elaborate displays, fanning the ruff and tail to court females; the species is polygynous. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground well hidden under dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Not highly vocal; gives sharp metallic calls and clucks, especially when alarmed. Males also produce wing-whirring sounds during display flights and courtship.
