Fauna
Bird

Reeves's Pheasant

Syrmaticus reevesii

Also known as Reeves Pheasant, Bar-Tailed Pheasant

Reeves's pheasants are famous for the male's extraordinary banded tail, which can measure up to two meters in length and holds a Guinness World Record for pure wild tail feather length. Native to the forested hills of central China, these birds forage along dense understories, feeding on seeds, tubers, and insects. During the spring breeding season, territorial males perform vigorous wing-whirring displays and aggressively defend their courtship grounds.

EndemicLong-TailedWoodland
Reeves's Pheasant reference1 / 7
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—observations
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAcorns, Tubers, Insects
Predators
  • Foxes
  • Wild cats
  • Raptors
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, historic hunting for tail feathers
HabitatsTemperate broadleaf, mixed evergreen, and mountain forests
Life span5–8 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyPhasianidae
  2. SpeciesSyrmaticus reevesii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Territorial males may charge or spur intruders during spring breeding; maintain a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Males possess sharp leg spurs and fiercely defend breeding territories, occasionally charging or striking human intruders.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by the male's striking white head, black eye stripe, and extraordinarily long banded tail.
What to do
Back away slowly if a male displays aggressively or approaches, giving the bird a clear exit path.
What to notice
Look for the distinctive white crown and black mask on males, along with their unmatched tail length.
Support conservation
Stay on designated forest trails and avoid searching for ground nests in dense brush.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Males: Look for flashings of gold, white, and exceptionally long tail feathers in forest glades.
  • Seasonal Caution: Give wide berth to males displaying in spring, as they fiercely defend courtship territory.
Related species
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