Birdsong field guide
Gray Peacock-Pheasant
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
A shy, forest-dwelling pheasant distinguished by its intricate plumage covered in iridescent violet-green ocelli. It is the national bird of Myanmar and known for its elaborate courtship displays.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, harsh, and rhythmic double-notes or cackles, often rendered as a vibrating 'trew-trew' or 'kwuk-kwuk'.
Field notes
- Features distinct metallic-violet eyespots (ocelli) on its wings and tail feathers used for visual communication.
- The male performs a unique frontal display by fanning its plumage to present all ocelli simultaneously to the female.
- Unlike many larger pheasants, it lacks a true crest but possesses elongated crown feathers that can be raised when agitated.
- It was officially designated as the national bird of Myanmar (formerly Burma).
- The species is largely solitary and terrestrial, feeding primarily on a diet of seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates found in leaf litter.
Habitat
Dense evergreen and semi-evergreen subtropical forests, often in hilly terrain or near water.
Range
Southeastern Asia, ranging from Northeast India and Bhutan through Myanmar to Indochina.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Bornean Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron schleiermacheriBronze-tailed Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron chalcurumGermain's Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron germainiHainan Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron katsumataeHainan Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron katsumataeMalayan Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron malacenseMountain Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron inopinatumPalawan Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron napoleonis
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