Gennaeus nycthemerus nycthemerus

 The Silver pheasant has a sizeable range as the various subspecies are found in southern China, Laos, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Thailand.  The bird of the type species is the bird on exhibit here.  The various subspecies have distinctive characteristics or may differ only in coloration.  Basic characteristics include a rearward lying crest on both genders.  Males have a dark ventral color and white on the upper body laced with black markings.  The facial area is bare and deep red in color.  Hens are buff or darker brown with black lines on their feathering.

 The habitat for this pheasant is the mountainous terrain with dense tree or bamboo growth at mid-elevations.  They are for the most part general feeders eating fruits, seeds, young plant shoots, insects, worms, small reptiles, tubers, and bulbs.  Although sizeable coveys may be formed, their normal social grouping is polygamous with one male and two to five hens.  These groups stay together year round.  During the breeding season each hen prepares her own nest and incubates the eggs for 25 days.  The male does not share in incubation but patrols the nesting territory and checks on the hens during his rounds.  After the eggs hatch, hens and chicks rejoin or reform the family group after two weeks.  The male will assume the responsibility of raising the chicks if the hen is lost.

 This pheasant has been raised in captivity for a long time.  They adapt well and are very hardy.  The males are very territorial and extremely aggressive during the breeding season.  Territorial displays consist of whistles and rapid beating of outspread wings, which produces a whirring sound.  Our male’s white tail feathers often look green during wet weather due to growth of algae.