74 GAME BIRDS OF INDIA AND ASIA. 



This is the Silver Pheasant (Gennaus nycthemerus) of China 

 (Brit. Mus. Cat., Birds, Vol. XXII, p. 307) now rare in a wild state 

 in that country, but very widely known as an aviary bird, as it 

 thrives better than any other pheasant in captivity. In thi& 

 bird, which is larger than any of our species, the male has a 

 long full drooping crest, and a very long tail reaching two 

 feet, and gracefully arched and tapered ; but the feathers com- 

 posing the tail are flat and lie vertically and back to back as- 

 in other kaleeges. The crest, under-parts, and flanks in the 

 cock are blue-black, and the upper plumage, wings and tail 

 pure white, with fine hair-like black pencilling, which becomes- 

 strong and bold on the wings and side tail-feathers. The centre 

 tail-feathers are plain, and at a little distance the whole upper 

 plumage looks white. 



The hen has a very short black crest and a moderately long, 

 closely-folded tail. She is of a plain uniform brown, with the 

 side tail-feathers boldly pencilled with black and white. 



Both sexes have bright red legs, pale green bills, and red faces ,- 

 the male's face having a beautiful velvety appearance. 



Crawfurd's or Anderson's Silver Pheasant. 



Gennceus andersoni, Faun. Brit. Ind., Birds, 

 Vol. IV, p. 94. 



This species, which is rather doubtful and has 

 been described under several names, is interme- 

 diate between the two last. The tail of the male, 

 although not so long as that of the Silver Pheasant 

 of China, is nevertheless considerably longer than 

 the wing, and curved ; the crest is full and droop- 

 ing. This crest, with the under-parts and flanks, 

 is black with a blue gloss, as usual ; the upper parts 

 appear grey at a little distance, but close at hand 

 are seen to be boldly and clearly marked with con- 

 centric lines of black and white, equal in breadth 

 and resembling a curved V or a Gothic arch in 

 shape. The accuracy of the pattern is something 

 remarkable, and has a very beautiful effect. Oa 



