CHAPTER XI. 



THE SIAMESE FIRE BACK PHEASANT 



(Euplocamus prelatus}. 



Introduction Unsuit ability for Keeping in Confine- 

 ment Colours of Cock Colours of Hen Conditions 

 necessary for Keeping Shyness and Restlessness. 



fHE Siamese Firebacks are natives of Siam, and 

 were first brought to Europe in 1862. I have 

 not heard of any specimens being bred in 

 this country. I tried them, but found them very shy, 

 and but ill-adapted to the confinement of an aviary. 



The adult cock has a plume of feathers on his 

 head, which he erects at pleasure. Back of head 

 black ; face brilliant red, like the Silver ; neck, breast, 

 and shoulders, light grey ; wings ditto, with black 

 tracings; saddle yellow, shading into brilliant red 

 and orange; tail steel-blue; legs red. The hen is 

 brown, of the prevailing colour of the other Euplocami. 



Siamese Firebacks should be kept in pairs. If 

 anyone wishes to try them, large, well - sheltered 

 aviaries, with plenty of evergreens for shelter, should 

 be provided ; in these, perhaps, they may breed. 



