
sided valley in the Siwalik foothills. Generally, however, kalij 
pheasants in the lower area are less concentrated (and probably less 
numerous) in favorable habitat than are junglefowl. 
No reliable records of yearly abundance in any one area 
were uncovered. No one, familiar with the birds, could recall any 
evidence that would indicate them to be cyclic, although considerable 
variation in abundance is recorded from year to year. 
Description 
Kalij pheasants are generally dark-colored, rather heavy 
birds. Their tails are moderately long, compressed, and often 
somewhat sickle-shaped. Large, reddish wattles and bare spots are 
found about the eyes. Males possess a distinct crest, usually carried 
horizontally back from the crown; in females the crest is shorter. 
The following key will distinguish males of the four subspecies 
here considered. 
1. Crest long, thin, whitish, or pale brown -- white-crested 
kalij. 
2. Crest black and more pronounced. 
a. Breast black, glossed with steel blue and purple -- 
black-breasted kalij. 
b. Breast brownish gray. 
(1) Lower back and rump black-feathered with white 
fringes -- Nepal kalij. 
(2) Lower back and rump feathers shiny steel blue 
with black border - black-backed kalij. 
Delacour (6,p.126-127) provides the following description of 
the white-crested kalij. 
"Male 
"Long and rather thin crest of disintegrated white or pale 
grayish brown feathers falling on the nape; head and neck purplisin 
black; mantle glossy bluish black, the feathers with pale gray edges 
and a white shaft; feathers of middle and lower back, rump, and lesser 
tail-coverts black with an indistinct narrow subterminal brown line and 
a broad terminal white fringe 5 mm. wide; tail black, brownish at the 
tips; primaries and secondaries blackish brown; chin and throat brownish 
black; breast and sides of body covered with long, lanceolate feathers 
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