Silver Pheasant

The male Silver Pheasant is a spectacular bird with white upperparts and tail heavily marked with black chevron-like patterns. It possesses a black crest and underparts, and bright red facial skin (wattles).

Striking white base with numerous fine, black, V-shaped or zigzag vermiculated bars. The patterns are higher density towards the tip and more spaced near the center.

The distal portion is pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs; the proximal base is plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

A light-colored, moderately stiff rachis; barbs emerge at approximately a 45-degree angle forming a dense, opaque vane.

Smooth and somewhat stiff pennaceous surface with a matte finish; the downy base is soft and silky.

Body feather, likely originating from the flank or back (mantle) region of an adult male.

Distinctive white and black fine vermiculation (zigzag stripes) across the entire width of the vane; broad, rounded profile.

Mountain forests, bamboo thickets, and scrubland, often at elevations between 600 and 2,000 meters.

Native to Mainland Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand); widely introduced globally as an ornamental bird.

Terrestrial omnivore acting as a seed disperser and insect controller; predated upon by large cats and birds of prey.

Lady Amherst's Pheasant (straighter, bolder barring) and Grey Junglefowl (different shape and spotting).

There are approximately 15 recognized subspecies that vary in the density and thickness of the black lines on their feathers.

Highly prized in the fly-tying community for creating wings and cheeks on classic salmon flies; historically depicted in Chinese art as a symbol of high rank.

Look for these feathers in aviaries or ornamental gardens; in the wild, they are often found near forest floor scratching sites.

Good condition; the vane is mostly intact though there is some light separation of the barbs near the right margin (likely post-shedding wear).