CHAPTER XYIII 



PHEASANTS ADAPTED FOR THE AVIAEY (CONTINUED). 



THE EAEBD PHEASANT {CEOSSOPTILON 

 MANTCHUBICUM). 



E the remarkable group of birds known as the Eared Pheasants, 

 constituting the genus Orossoptilon, four species are known, though 

 only one, the Mantchurian (C. mcmtchuriGii/m), 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 

 coverts separate them from any allied group. The first specimens 

 seen alive were presented to the Zoological Society by Mr. Dudley E. 

 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. 



