The Temminck's tragopan is a medium-sized, approximately 64 cm long, pheasant in the genus Tragopan. The male is a stocky red-and-orange bird with white-spotted plumage, black bill and pink legs. The male's display features include bare blue facial skin, inflatable dark-blue lappet and horns. The females are a white-spotted brown with blue circular eye skin.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Southwest to Central China
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane broadleaf and mixed coniferous forests with dense understory, especially rhododendron and bamboo thickets. Found from northeastern India and northern Myanmar through southeast Tibet into Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hubei. Prefers steep, mossy slopes, forest edges, and ravines with ample cover. In winter it descends to lower elevations, sometimes using secondary growth and scrub. It generally avoids open farmland but may forage near forest margins.
Altitude Range
800–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Temminck's tragopan is a brilliantly colored forest pheasant named after the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. Males perform an extravagant courtship display, unfurling inflatable cobalt-blue horns and a bib-like lappet. Unusually for pheasants, tragopans often nest off the ground in trees or dense shrubs. They help disperse seeds in montane forests by feeding on fruits and berries.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs; more gregarious outside the breeding season with loose small groups. Courtship involves the male approaching a concealed female and suddenly displaying the expanded lappet and horns. Nests are frequently placed above ground in trees or dense shrubs, an uncommon trait among pheasants. Pairs defend small areas with good cover during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives loud, far‑carrying moans and wails, often rendered as plaintive, nasal notes that echo through mountain valleys. Contact calls are softer clucks and whistles used to keep in touch within dense cover.
