Vietnam Pheasant

Edwards Pheasant at Wingham Wildlife Park

Vietnam Pheasant Natural History

Size

This bird reaches lengths of 58 cm to 67 cm.

Habitat and Distribution

The range of this pheasant is spread across Vietnam where it lives in rainforest areas. However, it’s habitat has been relentlessly destroyed, particularly for logging.

Age

These birds are thought to live for around 10 years.

Diet

The main diet of these bird’s is made up of seeds, berries, buds and leaves however they will also take a very small number of insects in their diet.

Groups and Breeding

This bird lays clutches of 4 to 7 eggs which the female incubates for 24 to 25 days when they will then begin to hatch. They are born a speckled brown colour but females will develop into chestnut colour with a bright red mottle on their face. Males will develop into a deep blue colour with turquoise tinges and also develops a bright red mottle on its face.

Threats

This bird is classed as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This species hasn’t been sighted in the wild since 2000 when a single bird was confiscated from a hunter. However, conservation efforts in captivity are keeping captive populations healthy as they take well to captive breeding.

Interesting Facts

There is a subspecies of this pheasant called the Imperial Pheasant which is considered to be a hybrid between the Vietnam Pheasant and the Silver Pheasant.

Vietnam Pheasant During Your Day Out in Kent

Our Vietnam Pheasant, Sheldon can be seen in the Tropical House. He shares this exhibit with many other species such as Rainbow Lorikeets, Zebra Finches and a Blue Crowned Pigeon.

Our Vietnam Pheasants have produced several offspring at the park helping to boost numbers for this Critically Endangered species.

The more you know…

Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.

20th May- Endangered Species Day!

Conservation- A brief Look at the Last Decade

Fantastic Feathers: But How and Why Are Birds So Colourful

Fantastic Feathers Part II: How Do Birds Care For Their Feathers?

Our Conservation Activities