LONG-EARED PHEASANT ; 245 



different kinds of herbs in its crop. While feed- 

 ing its movements are stately, and it holds its mag- 

 nificent tail straight out. 



Late in autumn and in winter they collect in 

 small coveys, often perching on the trees, ^ probably 

 to feed on the leaf-buds. They pair in the early 

 spring, and at such time keep to parts of the forest 

 where the underwood is very dense, and where they 

 rear their young ; ''^ they lay five to seven eggs. 



In winter the Tangutans shoot them sitting on the 

 trees or snare them for the sake of the tail-feathers. 

 The four centre ones are much worn by Chinese 

 officials in their uniform caps ; and are worth 2d. 

 apiece here. 



In early spring, as soon as they have paired, the 

 male birds may be heard calling their mates. Their 

 notes are harsh and discordant, and those of the hen 

 birds equally so, as far as we could judge. We also 

 heard them utter peculiar deep notes which reminded 

 us a little of the cooing of doves, and when startled 

 their cry was like that of the guinea-fowl. 



During the breeding season they have no regular 

 call, like that of the common pheasant or of black 

 game. The cocks only call at irregular intervals, 

 generally after sunrise, although sometimes before 



' In spring and summer the long-eared pheasants keep exclusively 

 on the ground, although during the night, as the native sportsmen 

 declare, they roost on the trees : my companion and I, however, never 

 saw one on a tree, although we took many walks in the evening and 

 early morning in the woods. 



* By the middle of May most of the hen birds were sitting on 

 their nests. 



