THE HORNED PHEASANTS. 



The superb Pheasants which form this 

 group occupy the Himalayas and the 

 mountains of Assam and Upper Burma, 

 extending into China. Four out of the 

 five known species are found within our 

 limits. 



In the males of this group the plumage 

 is beautifully spotted ; the sides of the 

 head are naked or merely sprinkled with 

 some bristles ; an erectile process or fleshy 

 horn springs from either side of the head, 

 just behind the eye, and frequently three 

 inches in length in the breeding season ; 

 and the naked throat is at the same 

 season produced into a gular flap of 

 brilliant colour, capable of expansion at 

 times of excitement. The crest is pointed, 

 composed of soft narrow feathers, and 

 about two inches in length, and there 

 is always one spur on each leg. 



The female is devoid of all ornaments 

 about the head, which is entirely clothed 

 with feathers. The crest is similar to 

 that of the male, but much shorter, being 

 only about one inch in length. 



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