 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
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The most numerous in captivity of all the endangered pheasant species, the Swinhoe's was first discovered by the British Consul (of that name) in Formosa (now Taiwan) in 1862. Baron James de Rothschild paid 250 pounds for the first pair that came to Europe in 1866. These so successfully produced offspring that by 1870 a pair could be obtained for as little as ten pounds. Remarkably, the price today (1992) is not a lot more.
The cock birds are most colorful and this species does well in relatively small pens. A good species for the beginner, although they do not normally breed in their first season.
In Taiwan they live in close-canopy forest from sea level to 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). Their distribution is restricted to this one island and hence their vulnerability. However, they do appear to adapt well to secondary forest.
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| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 150 sq. ft. (14 m2) |
| Status in captivity | Numerous |
| Full adult plumage | Second year |
| Egg clutch size | 6 - 12 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 25 days |
| Feeding Habits | Standard pheasant diet |