122 A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



EARED PHEASANTS 



Of the three species of these birds (Crossoptilun) known 

 from China two are found in the far west. The only one I 

 have seen and shot is the " White " or " Thibetan " species 

 (C. tihetanum), which is abundant in the neighbourhood of 

 Tachienlu. This bird frequents the upper timber-belt between 

 9500 and 13,000 feet, being commonly met with in large flocks, 

 more especially in autumn, when it is probable that several 

 coveys join forces. West of Tachienlu on the highway to 

 Batang it is frequently to be seen strolling about in open grassy 

 places and across the roadway. The walk is suggestive of a 

 fine farmyard rooster, and with its broad, slightly raised, 

 arching, plume-like tail the bird looks very stately. It is a 

 great runner and always makes straight up the mountain- 

 side into thick cover. When flushed it takes wing with the 

 speed of a bullet, and with its heavy body makes a great noise 

 on rising. The flight is of short duration and only attempted 

 as a last resource ; generally the bird alights on trees. 



The male has the crown black ; wing primaries, blue- 

 black ; secondaries, blue-black shading into ashy-grey ; upper 

 wing-coverts, grey ; middle tail-feathers, ashy-grey shading 

 to iridescent blue-black with green reflections ; rump and 

 abdomen clear white, rest of the plumage creamy white ; feet, 

 coral-red, and the legs armed with long murderous-looking 

 spurs ; total length, 38 to 40 inches. The female is similar to 

 the male, with a total length of 34 to 35 inches. 



Hunting this strong-legged, handsome bird is most " wind- 

 ing " and fatiguing sport. A favourite food is wild onions, and 

 the strong flavour of this esculent permeates the flesh, which is 

 dark-coloured and coarse and of little value for the table. The 

 average weight of adult male is about 8 to 9 lbs. 



This Crossoptilun ranges throughout the sub-alpine regions, 

 bordering the timber-line from south-west of Tachienlu to the 

 neighbourhood of Sungpan Ting and is one of the commonest 

 birds found in this region. The vernacular Chinese name for 

 this bird is " Ma che " ; a Thibetan name is " Shar har." How 

 far to the south and west of the regions indicated this bird 

 ranges I have no knowledge. 



