Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichi)

Other Names: Wallich’s Pheasant

Range: The Himalayas, fragmented range from Afganistan to Nepal; continue to decline.

Habitat: Highland forests and scrublands from 4,000 to 10,000 Feet.

Brief Description: Drab in comparison to other pheasant species, both sexes share the long gray crests. Plumage overall buffy and gray, with black barring; the tail is long and barred buff, gray and brown. Female very similar to the male; lacking spurs, facial skin smaller, duller in plumage and slightly smaller in overall size.

Interesting Facts: Despite similarities to the genus Syrmaticus, the Cheer Pheasant is the sole member of the genus Catreus. Re-introductions of captive bred birds have taken place in Pakistan by the WOrld Pheasant Association. The scientific name, wallichi is after the Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich who worked in India.

Breeding Season: Late April to June.

Breeding Age: First year.

Clutch Size: 9 to 12.

Incubation Period: 26 days