 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
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Found only in southeastern China in the mountain forest of Fokien and Kwangtung, these are by far the most easterly in distribution of the tragopans. While they were quite common in collections prior to World War I, this species is now rare in captivity. The Pheasant Trust at Great Witchingham in Norfolk had a small breeding nucleus based on birds sent over by Dr. K. Searle from Hong Kong. These were distributed during 1977 and 1978 to America, Germany, and Belgium. The Howe brothers in Canada, using artificial insemination techniques, have been the most successful breeders of them. Cabot's Tragopans are similar to the Blyth's Tragopan, but with more orange-colored facial markings, buff-colored ocelli, and plain, buff coloring to the underparts. They appear to live at a lower altitude than the other members of the genus, at around 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900 to 1,500 meters). The Chinese have, with help from the World Pheasant Association, been carrying out field research work on Cabot's Tragopans in the late 1980s.
Beijing Normal University has a small captive-bred nucleus which assists the students in studying them. Students from the university have also carried out detailed biological studies in the field and taken remarkable photographs of the males in display and of a female on, and returning to, a nest. It is likely that with the formation of World Pheasant Association China in 1991 a collaborative captive breeding project may be proposed in the next year or two. |
| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 400 sq. ft. (37 m2) with grass base |
| Status in captivity | Rare |
| Full adult plumage | Second year |
| Egg clutch size | 2 - 4 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 28 days |
| Feeding Habits | Primarily vegetarian with emphasis on fruit and berries |