CHAPTER XVIII. 
PHEASANTS ADAPTED FOR THE AVIARY (CONTINUED). 
THE EARED PHEASANT (CROSSOPTILON 
MANTCHURICUN). 
F the remarkable group of birds known as the Eared Pheasants, 
constituting the genus Crossoptilon, four species are known, though 
only one, the Mantchurian (C. mantchuricum), has been received 
in Europe in a living state. 
The eared pheasants differ in many very essential particulars 
from the more common species. Both sexes are alike in plumage, 
and are only to be distinguished by the presence of spurs on the 
legs of the males. The large size and peculiar character of the tail 
4 coverts separate them from any allied group. The first specimens 
‘) seen alive were presented to the Zoological Society by Mr. Dudley E. 
uy Saurin, in 1866; since that time others have been imported, and a con- 
siderable number have been bred in this country and on the continent. 
The Mantchurian Eared Pheasant is more remarkable for the singular 
arrangement of its plumage than for brilliancy of colouring, in this latter respect 
not approaching the gorgeous hues of the true pheasants, or many of the closely- 
allied birds. The general colour of the body is a sombre brown; the true tail 
feathers are white, with dark tips; but the bird derives its remarkable appearance 
from its large size and the peculiar character of the tail coverts, which spring 
from the lower part of the back, and in great part obscure the true tail. These 
tail coverts are white, and have the barbs separated, so that they form an elegant 
appendage to the body. The legs and feet of the eared pheasant are red in colour, 
and of true scratching or rasorial type, the claws being bluntly curved, like those 
of the common fowl. The head is very striking in its general appearance; the 
vaulted beak is of a pale fleshy white, contrasting strongly with the red skin of 
the face, which again is thrown into prominence by the white feathers that con- 
stitute the so-called ears of the bird. 
