24S 



cassell's book of birds. 



of China, whence, Mr. Swinhoe tells us, living examples are brought into Canton for sale. Latham 

 says that this bird is called in China Khiki, or Kinkee, which signifies Gold-flower Fowl, or Wrought 

 Fowl. It is a hardy bird, and many pairs have been turned loose in our own country with the 

 hope of naturalising it, but unfortunately they have all been shot. According to Gould it bears 

 confinement well, and breeds freely. The sexes change considerably in appearance, and some hens 

 kept for si.x. years by Lady Essex gradually assumed the male feathers. 



LADY AMHERST'S PHEASANT. 

 The Lady Amherst's Pheasant {T/iaumalea Amhcrsikv) is a very beautiful bird, having a black 



^ ^1 ^'-//^.-^ 





THE CHINESE EARED PHEASANT {Crossoptilon auritum). 



and red plume upon its head. The feathers that form the collar are of a silvery hue, with dark edges ; 

 the plumage of the neck, upper back, and upper wing-covers is light golden green, bordered with 

 a deeper tint; and that of the lower back shaded golden yellow. The feathers of the upper tail-covers 

 are pale red, spotted and lined with black, those on the under side pure white ; the quills are brownish 

 grey, edged with a lighter tint on the outer web ; the centre tail-feathers are whitish grey, striped with 

 black and edged with yellow, the rest are brownish grey; the lancet-shaped feathers at the sides 

 of the upper tail-covers are coral-red, the bare patches on the cheeks blue, and the eye golden yellow; 

 the beak is pale, and the foot dark yellow. 



This species was first described by Mr. B. Leadbeater, in a paper read before the Linnsean Society, 

 December 2nd, 183S, and received from him its name in honour of the Countess of Amiienst, to whom 



