Birdsong field guide
Mikado Pheasant
Syrmaticus mikado
A large, elusive pheasant endemic to the high-altitude forests of Taiwan, renowned for the male's striking iridescent violet-blue plumage and white-barred tail. Often called the 'King of the Mist,' it is a national icon frequently found in dense, fog-shrouded montane undergrowth.
What it sounds like
High-pitched, thin 'ke-ke-ke' whistles and sharp, agitated shrieks when alarmed.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- The species was first identified by Western science in 1906 through two tail feathers found in the headdress of an indigenous hunter.
- It is a national symbol of Taiwan and is prominently featured on the reverse side of the 1000 New Taiwan Dollar banknote.
- The Mikado Pheasant is notably more active during heavy mist or rain, as the weather provides acoustic and visual cover from predators.
- Males possess long, graduated tails that can reach up to 50 centimeters, characterized by distinct white horizontal cross-barring.
- While they are typically shy and solitary, they are known to be highly territorial, with males performing wing-whirring displays to defend their range.
Habitat
Primary montane coniferous and broadleaf forests with dense bamboo or rhododendron undergrowth, typically at elevations between 1,600 and 3,300 meters.
Range
Central and southern mountain ranges of Taiwan.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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