The Malayan crested argus is a large and spectacular peafowl-like species of bird in the pheasant family with dark-brown-spotted black and buff plumage, a heavy pink bill, brown irises and blue skin around the eyes. The head has two crests; the hind crest, which extends down the occiput, is erected when alarmed and during intentional behaviors including pair bonding and courtship displays. The male has a broad and greatly elongated tail of twelve feathers. The tail covert of the male is the longest of any bird and is believed to contain the longest feathers to occur in a wild bird; the Reeves's pheasant has tail feathers of similar length but which are considerably narrower. The tail coverts measure up to 1.73 m (5.7 ft) in length, giving the bird a total length of 1.9–2.39 m (6.2–7.8 ft).
Region
Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland to hill dipterocarp forests, favoring rugged terrain with ridges and steep slopes. It keeps to dense understory and bamboo thickets where it forages on the forest floor. Males establish traditional display courts in secluded spots with good visibility to perform their ritualized dances. The species is highly sensitive to disturbance and is largely absent from heavily logged or fragmented forests.
Altitude Range
200–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Malayan crested argus is a spectacular, ground-dwelling pheasant famed for the male’s extremely long, ocellated tail coverts—among the longest feathers of any wild bird. It is shy and elusive, inhabiting dense primary forests and performing elaborate courtship displays on cleared display courts. Ongoing habitat loss and hunting pressure have contributed to its rarity in the wild.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
reluctant flier; bursts of short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Largely terrestrial and usually encountered singly or in pairs. Males maintain display courts where they perform elaborate dances and tail-fanning to attract females, with pairs forming strong bonds. Nests are on or near the ground with a small clutch, and both camouflage and secrecy are key to breeding success.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant hoots and far-carrying calls delivered from concealed perches or near display grounds. Notes are spaced and booming, often heard at dawn and dusk in dense forest.
