49.4

I've noticed that of while many people apparently enjoy visits to the zoos of their countries and love to take pictures and share them, often the photographer hasn't been able to find any information on the subjects they shoot, particularly when it comes to exotic looking birds from distant lands. So I thought I'd shed a little more light on a couple of birds that are posted up here from time to time that, so far, I've yet to see any information provide on them.

The subject you see here is a Golden Pheasant (AKA Chinese Pheasant) and is native to parts of Western China. They live in forests of mountainous areas and feed on grubs, invertebrates, berries, seeds and other vegetation.

Although they can fly in short bursts they are quite clumsy in flight and spend most of their time on the ground, though at night they prefer to roost in the safety of trees. When agitated, they can spread the cape of blue and gold feathers that hang from their heads around to completely cover their beak, leaving only their eyes showing.

The subject you see here is one of several Golden Pheasants found at Khao Kheow Open Zoo's large bird aviary.

For those interested:

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