Description:
A unique feature of eared-pheasants is that males and females are virtually identical, even more remarkable as the plumage is highly specialized and ornamental. This brown-eared pheasant has a velvety black head and neck, gradually shading to a deep brown on the body and whitish on the lower back and rump, which extends into a long soft white tail, broadly tipped in black. The bird is most notable for its prominent white cheek tufts that extend from the base of the bill, somewhat resembling an up-turned moustache. The male is slightly larger than the female, but can only really be distinguished by its spurs, which are larger and rounder at the base than the hens. Laying starts in mid April and a clutch consist of 5 - 8 eggs. Around 20 eggs can be laid in a year. These ones are the calmest of the pheasants and become very friendly. In fact they will try and catch the attention of anyone coming close to them.