 PHOTO: KEITH HOWLAND |
PHOTO: KEITH HOWLAND |
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The Cheer is the only species in this genus and is a most interesting and worthwhile pheasant species. With predominantly grey and golden-brown mottled coloring and a chunky appearance, they are perhaps one of the drabber species. Nevertheless in their way, they are a very beautiful bird. Although when excited, they can make up in noise for any lack in color. The Cheer is equipped with a powerful bill and makes good use of it in aviaries and probably in the wild, using it to turn stones. Their range is from western Pakistan to, and throughout, Nepal. In Pakistan they are now extinct in most of their former range. They normally live at 5,000 to 9,000 feet (1,500 to 2,700 meters) on open, grassy slopes or in light forest.
A major project of the World Pheasant Association has attempted to reintroduce them in the Margalla Hills in northern Pakistan. Eggs provided by WPA members have been shipped by British Airways to Pakistan, incubated, hatched, and the chicks raised. Released birds have survived for over two years and have bred in the year following release. This is probably the best example of aviculturists and conservationists working together to save a species.
Avicultural notes
Minimum aviary size 200 sq. ft. (18.5 m2)
Status in captivity Good
Full adult plumage First year
Egg clutch size 9-12 eggs
Incubation period 26 days
Feeding habits Normal pheasant diet
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| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 200 sq. ft. (18.5 m2) |
| Status in captivity | Good |
| Full adult plumage | First year |
| Egg clutch size | 9 - 12 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 26 days |
| Feeding Habits | Normal pheasant diet |