Size : 1-2 pounds, males 3-4 feet long, females shorter. Wingspan : Approx 2 feet.

Lifespan : Up to 8 years.

Breeding : Mating April-May. Incubation 22 days. Fledging 12-14 days. 5-12 eggs per clutch.

Habits : Shy, territorial. Males attract females during mating season.

Diet : Berries, seeds and grains.

    The Golden Phesant has been famous in Chinese art and literature for many centuries. It has also been introduced as a game bird in other parts of the world.  Little is known of the golden phesant's life in the wild due to its shy nature.  We know it lives at high elevation in foothills among bamboo scrub.
    Male golden phesants are very colorful, while female plummage is dull.  Males are polygamous (several females per mating male), and they perform an elaborate courtship display during mating season. Females build nests and care for the young without the help of males.