Identification:
Adults have a head, neck, throat, wings, and tail with a black, iridescent purple sheen. The upper back is gray. The back is pale gray, and the tips of the feathers have faint black markings creating very subtle streaks. The belly is lighter, appearing nearly white. The beak is red, the eyes are yellow, and the skin around the eyes and legs are reddish-purple.
Biology and Ecology:
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, residing permanently in secondary and primary evergreen tropical humid forests, up to an altitude of 900 meters. They forage on the ground, in areas such as hillsides and narrow valleys with dense, shaded bushes and vines, making observation difficult. Their diet consists of various insects. They are very cautious while feeding, quickly fleeing at the slightest sound, especially when danger is perceived, which makes them difficult to observe. Other pheasant family species, such as pheasants, peafowl, junglefowl, and francolins, are often found in the same habitat.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Thanh Hoa (Nhu Xuan), Nghe An (Con Cuong, Quy Chau, Quy Hop), Ha Tinh (Ke Go forest), Quang Binh (Phong Nha), Thua Thien – Hue (Hai Van Pass, Bach Ma, Nam Dong), Quang Nam (Dai Loc district), Da Nang (Ba Na – Nui Chua Nature Reserve).
- World: Eastern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.
Value:
A valuable regional specialty, prized for its beautiful plumage. It holds scientific, ornamental, and commercial value.
Status:
Habitat loss and range contraction are caused by excessive deforestation. It is also subject to indiscriminate hunting. Traps are often set on the ground where they forage, along with other pheasant species.
Conservation Status:
VU A1a,b,c C2a (Vulnerable).
Conservation Measures:
Significant populations exist in the Ke Go Nature Reserve and Bach Ma National Park. However, stronger protective measures are needed to assist recovery and increase population size. Listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1999, 2000) as Threatened.