224



Hans Stefani—Eared Pheasants



length, is uniform blue, as well as the upper part of the tail; only

on the two sides of the lower part of the tail there is a white speculum.

In the Brown Crossoptilon, on the other hand, the rear part of the

back and the upper part of the tail are almost white. These light-

coloured parts of the body are entirely absent in the case of the Blue

species.


The same careless holding of the wings which was mentioned in the

case of the Brown Crossoptilon as a special feature is not shown by

the hen of the Blue. On the other hand, with her the blue colouring

is somewhat lighter than in the case of the cock, and the carriage of

the Blue cock is somewhat prouder, more upright, whilst the hen is in

the habit of carrying herself more horizontally. But whether these

features are generally applicable or are only a peculiarity of the hen

observed by me remains an open question. As there is only this single

hen in Europe, comparative observations could, of course, not be

carried through any further. It is only the spur of the cock, in this

species also, which is a certain indication as to the sex. This is absent

in the hen.


A pure-bred pair of Blue Eared Pheasants, cock and hen, imported

directly from China is, however, in the possession of a German

aviculturist. But unfortunately, this is the only pure-bred pair at

present in Europe. But as both birds, in consequence of the present

unrest in China, took nearly six months on their voyage from their

homeland (Kansu) to Europe, and stood it in good condition, and have

meanwhile fully become accustomed to their new home, it is to be

assumed that in the near future really pure-bred Blue Crossoptilons

will be bred in Europe. The egg is light greyish-brown.


The first of the pictures shows Brown and the second one

a pair of Blue Eared Pheasants. It is true that the brown and blue

colours cannot be recognized in the pictures, but on the other hand the

difference in the distribution of the white colour of the two species is

very dear.


Crossoptilon tibetanum, the White Crossoptilon, is probably at the

present time not represented with us in captivity. It came to Europe,

however, some forty years ago. The Zoological Gardens of London

and Berlin possessed it. In the Berlin Zoo some eggs were also laid,



