Chinese Monal Lophophorus lhuysii

An inhabitant of rocky highland meadows, this glorious pheasant often forages in boulder fields in early morning and late afternoon. Adult male a veritable phoenix, with glittering blue back and tail, flame-colored neck, glossy green head, and black underparts. Blue patch of skin between eye and bill unique among monals. Less colorful female streaky brown with pale skin around the eye. Male gives a whistle recalling a rusty door hinge and high-pitched piping calls.