Identification
Adult Males: Generally have a fiery red, reddish-brown, and black plumage. The skin around the eyes is slightly bluish-dark, the wattle is slightly yellowish-green with red spots. The forehead, areas in front of, behind, and the front part of the crest on the nape, the sides of the head, and around the neck wattle are black. The back has pale brown, circular spots with black edges. The wings are light black with streaks and reddish-brown markings. The underside of the body is light brown. The tail is pale reddish-yellow with spots and black stripes. Juvenile males resemble females, but are slightly larger and may have red and black on the head. The upper chest is dark black. Adult females are similar to males, but the plumage has black, reddish-brown, and white streaks, appearing less attractive. Both males and females have black beaks, brown eyes, and pink legs.
Biology and Ecology
According to H’Mông hunters near Phan Si Pang mountain, the Vietnamese fireback pheasant lays eggs in April, with chicks leaving the nest in July. Each clutch consists of 3-5 eggs. The eggs are small, oval-shaped, with one end larger than the other, and are pale reddish-brown with brown speckles. Unlike other pheasant species, the Vietnamese fireback pheasant builds its nest in trees. According to Delacour (1977), the bird lays 7-8 eggs in April, with an incubation period of 28 days. Local hunters report that they eat fruits, seeds, insects, and earthworms.
The Vietnamese fireback pheasant lives in small, sedentary flocks of 3-5 individuals deep within the dense evergreen forests of high humidity at elevations from 900 to over 2,700 meters (Delacour, 1977). H’Mông hunters from Tà Phìn commune (Sa Pa) have encountered the Vietnamese fireback pheasant at elevations above 2,500 meters, occasionally at 3,000 meters. They forage on the ground during the day and roost in low bushes at night.
Distribution
Within Vietnam: Lào Cai (Phan Si Pang mountain, Sa Pa district) at altitudes of 2,000 – 3,000 meters, and Yên Bái (Mù Cang Chải) at 1,600 meters (Đỗ Tước, 6/2002).
Worldwide: China and India.
Value
This species has a restricted distribution, is highly valued, and is very rare in Vietnam. It is a beautiful ornamental bird with scientific and commercial value, making it important for global biodiversity conservation.
Status
Its habitat is severely impacted, diminishing and shrinking due to deforestation and excessive hunting. The population has declined significantly and is now very rare. If hunting is not prevented, there is a risk of extinction.
Conservation Status
CR A1a,c,d C2a.
Conservation Measures
Included in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1992, 2000). Research is needed to investigate areas where the Vietnamese fireback pheasant still exists in the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range to collect data on surviving populations. Education to raise public awareness of conservation and a complete ban on hunting are essential.