Reeves's pheasant

Scientific name: Phasianus reevesi

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are striking with an exceptionally long, barred tail (60–80 cm), metallic green head, and buff-and-chestnut plumage on the body. Females are much duller, cryptically patterned in browns and greys, significantly smaller, and lack the elongated tail.

Size and weight

Males weigh 1.0–1.5 kg and measure 150–210 cm total length (including tail); females weigh 0.7–0.9 kg and measure 60–75 cm.

Habitat

Reeves's pheasants inhabit steep, forested ravines and rocky hillsides with mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland, typically between 800–2,400 m altitude. They favour areas with dense undergrowth, rocky outcrops, and sparse tree cover.

Distribution

Endemic to central and eastern China, found in the mountains of Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, and adjacent provinces, preferring steep, inaccessible terrain in mature forest zones.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on seeds, berries, insects, and green shoots; they scratch and peck on forest floors and rocky ground, with diet shifting toward seeds and buds in winter.

Behaviour

Diurnal foragers that roost in trees at night; males are territorial and solitary or in small groups outside breeding season, while females are more cryptic. They flush explosively when flushed but prefer to run uphill and escape on foot.

Hunting tips

Look for fresh scratch marks and droppings on rocky slopes and leaf litter—their feeding sign is distinctive. Approach slowly uphill through dense cover early or late in the day, using terrain folds and vegetation for concealment. Expect birds to flush upslope; position yourself above likely feeding areas to intercept or flush birds into open ground.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

France

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.