Red & Yellow Golden Pheasant: Characteristics, Images & Price

The Golden Pheasant is a colorful bird with a striking golden crest, bright red body, and green back. Males are far more vibrant than females, who have dull brown feathers for camouflage. These birds prefer wooded areas and are known for their shy nature.

They mostly stay on the ground although they can fly. They need spacious enclosures and a varied diet of grains, fruits, and insects in captivity. Many bird enthusiasts in the USA keep them for their beauty.

Golden Pheasant Images

General Characteristics of Golden Pheasant

These birds are known for their distinctive features which are different from other bird species.

General Characteristic Golden Pheasant Feature
Scientific Name Chrysolophus pictus
Size Around 35-40 inches (males), smaller females
Weight 1.5 – 2.5 pounds
Lifespan 5-6 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity
Color Bright golden-yellow crest, red underparts, and green back
Diet Seeds, berries, insects, and small invertebrates
Behavior Prefers dense cover active at dawn and dusk
Flying Ability Can fly but prefers running
Nesting Ground nests hidden in dense vegetation
Eggs per Clutch 8-12 eggs per season
Role in Ecosystem Helps control insect populations and seed dispersal

Chrysolophus pictures

Life Span of Golden Pheasant

Golden pheasants live around 5–6 years in the wild due to predators and environmental factors. They can live up to 15 years in captivity with proper care because of a controlled diet and protection from threats.

Golden Pheasant Images

Interesting Facts About Golden Pheasant

The dormant behavior of this bird and shy behavior makes it pretty different from other birds which are habitual of socializing with other species.

1. Brightest-Colored Birds in the World

The Golden Pheasant has a dazzling mix of red, gold, green, and blue feathers. Its golden crest and deep red body make it one of the most visually striking birds. Males are far more colorful than females which have dull brown plumage.

2. Native to China but Popular in the USA

Golden Pheasants are commonly bred in aviaries across the United States although they originally belong to China, . Many bird lovers and private collectors keep them for their attractive appearance and ease of care.

3. Males Have a Unique Mating Dance

The male displays his golden cape-like feathers to impress the female during mating season. He performs a side-stepping dance while making soft clucking sounds to win her attention.

Golden Pheasant Dance

4. Can Fly but Prefer Running

Golden Pheasants are capable of flight, but they mostly rely on their strong legs to escape predators. They prefer to run through thick undergrowth instead of taking to the sky.

5. Their Feathers Were Once Used for Fashion

Golden Pheasant feathers were popular in the USA for decorating hats and clothing in the early 20th century. Their vibrant colors made them a valuable accessory in the fashion industry.

6. They Are Surprisingly Quiet Birds

The Golden Pheasant is not very vocal unlike many other pheasants. They occasionally make low-pitched calls and clucks, but they do not sing or chirp like songbirds.

7. Survival in Cold Climates

These birds adapt well to colder areas of the USA despite coming from warm regions of China. Their thick plumage provides good insulation and allows them to survive hard winters.

Golden Pheasant Feathers

8. Eggs Hatch in Less Than a Month

Golden Pheasants lay between 8 to 12 eggs at a time, and the chicks hatch in just 22 to 23 days. The young birds grow quickly and start looking like adults in a few months.

9. Diet Includes More Than Just Seeds

While they eat grains and seeds, they also enjoy insects, berries, and small plants. This varied diet helps them get the nutrients they need to maintain their vibrant feathers.

10. They Have Excellent Camouflage Skills

Golden Pheasants can blend into their surroundings surprisingly well despite their bright colors. They stay still upon sensing danger and relay on their patterned feathers to stay hidden.

Yellow Golden Pheasant

11. Males Don’t Help Raise Chicks

Male Golden Pheasants have no role in raising the young after mating. The female incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks alone until they can protect themselves.

12. Symbol of Good Luck

The Golden Pheasant represents beauty and prosperity in Chinese culture. Some American bird lovers also consider them a sign of good fortune due to their rare and striking appearance.

Sightseeing of Golden Pheasants in USA

These birds are not seen very frequently in the open territory because of their introvert nature and also they are not native to the country.

Location Name State in Which it is Located
San Diego Zoo California
Los Angeles Zoo California
Bronx Zoo New York
Philadelphia Zoo Pennsylvania
Smithsonian National Zoo Washington, D.C.
Houston Zoo Texas
Dallas Zoo Texas
St. Louis Zoo Missouri
Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo Illinois
Woodland Park Zoo Washington

 

Golden Pheasant Pics

How to Get Good Clicks of Golden Pheasant?

Golden Pheasant is a rare bird to be seen in USA, and therefore it is important to have some good clicks before it skips your eyesight.

Golden Pheasant Photos

  • Capture golden pheasants in soft morning light for vibrant feather details.
  • Use a telephoto lens (300mm+) to photograph from a distance without disturbing them.
  • Focus on their natural habitat for a more authentic shot.
  • Stay low and move slowly to avoid startling the bird while composing your frame.
  • Adjust shutter speed to at least 1/1000s to freeze their quick movements.
  • Look for contrasting backgrounds to make their bright colors stand out beautifully.

Wrapping Up

Golden Pheasants are a fantasy to watch in their own. These birds have a special status in terms of representing the beauty of wildlife and enjoying the diversity created by nature. Their nature to run on ground rather than flying in the air frequently, depicts a completely different picture of this bird.

FAQs

1. Where can you find Golden Pheasants in the USA?

Golden Pheasants are not native to the USA but can be found in aviaries, private farms, and some wildlife reserves.

2. What do Golden Pheasants eat?

They eat grains, seeds, insects, and leafy greens. In captivity, they are often fed a mix of grains and fresh vegetables.

3. How long do Golden Pheasants live?

In captivity, they can live up to 15 years with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan is usually shorter due to predators.

4. Can you keep a Golden Pheasant as a pet?

Yes, but they need a spacious outdoor enclosure, a proper diet, and protection from predators. They are more suited for aviaries than as indoor pets.