256 Allen's naturallst's library. 



Adult Male. — General colour slate-grey ; an indistinct white 

 band bordering the black crown behind; chin and throat 

 white ; tail composed of twe?ity-four feathers, the six outer 

 pairs with the basal three-quarters white and the ends black, 

 gloised with purple. Total length, 40 inches; wing, 12-4; 

 tail, 21 ; tarsus, 4. 



Adult Pemale. — Like the fnale^ but devoid of spurs. 

 Range. — The mountains of Koko-nor, Kansu, and North- 

 western Sze-chuen, Western China. 



Hal)its. — This Pheasant inhabits the wooded mountainous 

 regions, and ascends to a height of even 10,000 feet above the 

 sea-level. According to Prjevalsky, " it is a resident and re- 

 mains all the year round in certain places. Water does not 

 seem to be of so much necessity to this bird as it is to other 

 species of the present group ; at least, it keeps very often to 

 localities in the Ala-Shan Mountains, where not a drop of water 

 is to be found. 



"In autumn and winter they congregate in small flocks, 

 probably in families, but very early in spring separate into pairs, 

 when the males at once commence to crow — i.e., uttering at 

 intervals a loud disagreeable note somewhat resembling the cry 

 of a Peacock. This usually occurs in the morning, but occa- 

 sionally also during the day. . . . 



" After the breeding-season the males at once commence 

 moulting, and attain their fresh plumage only in October again. 

 Generally their feathers very soon get worn, and the birds are 

 in full plumage only for a short time in winter and spring. 



" Like most of the Family, these birds are fond of digging 

 about in the ground in search of roots ; and it appears that 

 they chiefly feed upon plants." 



Eggs.— Vary from five to seven ; smooth, pale olive-grey in 

 colour, without any spots, and much like those of the Common 

 Fowl. Measurements, 2*16 by 1 -6 -1-63 inches. 



