Identification
Adult Males: Possess a prominent, iridescent steel-blue crest on the head, measuring 70-90mm in length, typically angled slightly backward. The head, chin, and throat are black. The lower back displays a metallic golden color. The flanks and upper tail coverts are a steel-tinged reddish-purple. The tail feathers are long, curved downwards in a sickle shape. The remainder of the plumage exhibits a steel-blue sheen.
Females: Have brown plumage. The belly has pale, scale-like markings. The tail is straight and rounded.
Physical Characteristics: Bare skin on the face and legs is red. Eyes are reddish-brown.
Biology and Ecology
Juveniles reach breeding maturity in their third year. Each clutch contains 5-6 oval eggs, larger at one end than the other. The eggshells are pale reddish-brown or slightly yellowish. Egg dimensions: 38 x 48mm. The primary diet of the Siamese Fireback consists of seeds and fruits found in the forest, supplemented by insects and earthworms. They live in pairs or small flocks of 3-5 individuals, sometimes larger, in secondary forests, primary forests, and scrublands, or along forest trails. Like other pheasant species, they forage on the ground during the day and roost in trees at night. They are often observed foraging alongside other pheasant species, including the Red-faced and Yellow-faced Peacock-pheasants, the Ferruginous Partridge, and the Red Junglefowl.
Distribution
Vietnam: Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Khánh Hòa, Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh.
Global: Laos, Cambodia, Thailand.
Value
This is a rare species, widely distributed only in Indochina, and of scientific value. Its colorful plumage makes it an attractive ornamental bird.
Status
The species is becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss from extensive forest exploitation, habitat shrinkage, and unsustainable hunting practices.
Conservation Status
VU A1a,c C2a
Conservation Measures
Listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1992, 2000), IUCN Red List (1996, 2000), and the Asian Red Data Book of Birds. Protected by Decree 18/HĐBT (1992) and Decree 48 /NĐ-CP (2002). The population is currently low, and active conservation efforts are underway in many nature reserves and national parks, with the hope of population recovery in the future.