 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
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The Long-tailed Pheasants are among the best of all the pheasants for beginners. All mature in their first year, all are hardy, and all lay prolifically in captivity. In spite of this, however, three of the group are listed as endangered in the wild - one of which is the Elliot's from eastern China.
The one problem the aviculturist should watch for with the Elliot's, and others of this group, is extreme pugnacity of the cock towards its hen or hens. For this reason plenty of shrubs or branches for cover should be put into their aviaries, and it is sometimes wise to clip the primary feathers on one wing of the cock bird. With its whitish-grey neck setting off the red wattles around its eyes, and the metallic golden-brown sheen on part of its back feathering, the Elliot's is a most beautiful bird. |
| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 200 sq. ft. (18.5 m2) |
| Status in captivity | Numerous |
| Full adult plumage | First year |
| Egg clutch size | 6 - 8 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 25 days |
| Feeding Habits | Normal pheasant diet |