THE FIREBACK-PHEASANTS. 



THE Pheasants of this group are fine 

 handsome birds, found in South-eastern 

 Asia and some of the islands. 



Both sexes have the side of the head 

 bare to a considerable extent, and both 

 have a thick bushy crest, rather more than 

 one inch in length, composed of feathers 

 which are narrow at the base but become 

 gradually broader as the tip is approached. 

 The tail of the male bird is curved and 

 drooping, the two halves compressed to- 

 gether as in the domestic cock. The tail 

 of the female is shorter and straight, but 

 compressed as in the domestic hen. The 

 male has one immense spur on each leg. 



The females of the Pheasants of this 

 group depart from the ordinary rule and 

 are rather handsomely plumaged. 



378 



