PHASIÄN II S n LÄSA N i
PM ASIAN US ELEG-ANS, mmt.
GREEN-BACK GOLDEN PHEASANT.
PHASIANUS ELEGANS, Elliot, Ann. & Mag. Nat. I-Iist; {^1870) vol. vi. p. 312.
H ab. Sechuen, China.
Two living examples of this handsome species were brought to England from the province of Sechuen in Southern China, and
deposited by their owner, Mr. Stone, in the gardens of the Zoological Society in Regent’s Park. Both were males; and, although
very wild and unapproachable, they were in very good - condition. In its geographical distribution this species appears intermediate
between Mr. Swinhoe’s P . decollates from the eastern portion of Sechuen, and the one mentioned by Mr. Anderson in his
manuscript notes as P . Sladeni, from the province of Yunan, lying to the south. The present bird might be supposed a hybrid
between P . colchicus and P. versicolor, were not that neither of these is found anywhere near the • locality it inhabits. The
P . elegans differs materially from all other known Pheasants, as a glance at the accompanying Plate will enable any one to discern,
and, as regards beauty of'plumage, is excelled by few. The female, unfortunately, has not yet. been procured; but as its habitat is
now well known, we can reasonably hope that, through the energetic efforts of Mr. Stone, and of those who give him such material
assistance? ini China, i t will not be long before examples $¡1? thei; 'Other sex will ibe added to the number of males now in Regent's
.Park. Of the habits and economy of the present species no accounts have yet reached us. The voice of this bird is harsh and
guttural; a t least such have been the notes uttered by the individuals now in England.
The species may be described as follows:—
Head and neck green, with bluish reflections; back red, each feather tipped with green. Scapulars like the back, with black
centres, crossed with diagonal white bars. Rump greenish grey, with a broad mark of emerald green near the tip, succeeded by
a narrower one of black, this followed by an irregular one of white; base of feathers blackish. Upper part of breast and
abdomen rich emerald-green. Flanks and sides of breast chestnut-red, each feather tipped with dark blue, the feathers becoming
rich purple as they approach the centre of the bre ast; and those next to the abdomen have their inner webs green. Upper tail-
eoverts olive, with the greenish grey of the rump-feathers showing through in the centres; under tail-coverts brownish black,
tipped with red. Tail deep chestnut-red, crossed with broad bars of black. Legs and feet lead-colour. Bare skin of face scarlet,
with a patch of green feathers under and behind the eye.
. The figure is life-size.