Description:
Adult male birds of the five subspecies of the Silver Pheasant ( L. nycthemera Lin) exhibit varying characteristics. Specifically, as one moves southward within Vietnam, the tail feathers of the males become progressively shorter, the white plumage decreases, and the black plumage increases. The tail feather lengths of the subspecies can be compared as follows (listed from North to South):
- L. n. nycthemera: Tail length: Male: 550 – 700mm, Female: 240 – 320mm
- L. n. beaulieui: Tail length: Male: 458 – 365mm
- L. n. berli: Tail length: Male: 380mm
- L. n. beli: Tail length: Male: 350 – 450mm, Female: 200 – 220mm
- L. n. annamensis: Tail length: Male: 310 – 355mm, Female: 215 – 255mm
L. n. beli resembles L. n. berli, but has a whiter tail. The eyes, beak, and legs are similar to L. n. beli: brown face, bluish-gray-brown beak, red bare skin around the face, and red legs.
Biology:
No data available. It is likely that these subspecies share similar food sources and reproductive characteristics.
Habitat and Ecology:
The preferred habitat is evergreen forests, both primary and secondary, at altitudes of 500m and above. They have been observed at elevations ranging from 500 – 1000m and on mountain peaks from 1200 – 1800m. They forage on the ground and roost in trees at night. Displaying males have been observed in early February.
Distribution:
Vietnam: This subspecies is only found in the central region, from southern Quảng Trị to Quảng Ngãi.
World: None.
Value:
A rare endemic species in Vietnam. Of scientific and aesthetic value.
Status:
Continued research is needed on the current status, behavior, and biology to aid conservation and population increase efforts within Bạch Mã National Park.