The mountain peacock-pheasant, also known as Rothschild's peacock-pheasant or mirror pheasant, is a medium-sized, up to 65 cm long, blackish brown pheasant. It is with small ocelli, long graduated tail feathers, and both sexes are similar. The male has metallic blue ocelli on upperparts, green ocelli on tail of twenty feathers and two spurs on legs. Female has black ocelli on upperparts, unspurred legs and tail of eighteen feathers. The female is smaller and duller than male.
Region
Malay Peninsula (Peninsular Malaysia)
Typical Environment
Found in upper hill and lower montane evergreen forests with dense undergrowth, often where rattan, bamboo, and palms create thick cover. It keeps to the forest floor, favoring areas with deep leaf litter for foraging. The species avoids heavily disturbed habitats and is most frequent in relatively intact montane forest. Range is patchy and tied closely to continuous highland forest blocks.
Altitude Range
800–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Rothschild’s peacock-pheasant, it is a shy, ground-dwelling bird restricted to the montane forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Unlike many pheasants, the sexes are fairly similar, though males have brighter metallic ocelli and two leg spurs. Its specialized habitat needs make it sensitive to forest degradation and fragmentation.
Male taken near Bukit Tinggi, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Male near Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs and believed to form monogamous bonds. Nests are on or near the ground, concealed in dense vegetation, with small clutches. Males perform low, ground-based displays, fanning the tail to show ocelli. Territoriality is maintained through calls and discreet movements rather than overt chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include low, booming hoots and soft whistles that carry through dense forest. Males may accompany calls with wing-whirring during display. Calls are sporadic and most frequent at dawn and dusk.
