Brown Eared-Pheasant

The brown eared pheasant is distributed in the Xiaowutai Mountains in northwestern Hebei, and in the northwestern Shanxi and Lüliang Mountains regions of China. It primarily inhabits low mountains and hilly areas below 2,500 meters above sea level. During summer and autumn, it prefers secondary mixed forests of conifers and broad-leaved trees or coniferous forests, while in winter it occupies lower-elevation broad-leaved farmland, forest edges, and shrublands. It is mainly terrestrial, favouring open spaces within forests or grasslands along forest edges, and roosts at night on pine or palm trees. It is endemic to China.

Outside the breeding season, individuals form flocks beginning in early July, with populations reaching 20 to 60 birds by late September. Flocks have a clear hierarchy, led by a dominant, large male, with another fit bird acting as a sentinel. They spend most of the day foraging, with rest and dust bathing around midday, and generally follow fixed routes to feeding sites in loosely organized lines. When startled, the flock may disperse; the leader then regroups juveniles with adults, females with males, solitary birds with groups, and small groups into larger flocks. When fleeing, birds run uphill and only take flight upon reaching ridge tops, gliding down to valleys or opposite slopes.

Vocalizations. The brown-eared pheasant produces a variety of calls rather than true songs. Its common call is transcribed as "gu-ji" or "gu-gu", used for communication between individuals, including between parents and chicks. The alarm call is a repeated "ji-ji", while a rhythmic "gua-gua-gua" call is produced during courtship displays.

Diet. The brown eared pheasant feeds primarily on various plant materials, but also consumes a small amount of animal food, with its diet changing seasonally based on food availability.

Reproduction. The breeding season of the brown eared pheasant lasts from April to June, with pair formation beginning in mid-March. …