Mountain Peacock-Pheasant
Rothschild Pfaufasan
Called The Rothschild Pfaufasan ( Polyplectron inopinatum ), also mirror bronze pheasant tail or Rothschilds Spiegelpfau, is a species of the family of the pheasant -like. This species lives in the highlands of the Malay Peninsula. Its habitat includes forested mountainous regions above 1000 m.
Appearance
Rothschild Pfaufasane have a wing length between 17.5 (females ) and 25.5 (males) centimeters. A large difference is also in the tail length. The females have tail lengths from 22 to 27.5 inches. In the males of these 32 to 40 centimeters. On the tail and on the jacket, there are numerous dark plumage, iridescent Augflecken.
Characteristic of the Rothschild Pfaufasan is the lack of a bonnet and the fully feathered face. This distinguishes it clearly from the other species of the genus of Pfaufasane that have regularly a bonnet, which is also directed striking forward in several ways.
In the area of distribution of the Rothschild Pfaufasans also the Malayan Peacock-Pheasant occurs. This, however, has focused on habitats in the lowlands.
Dissemination and lifestyle
Pfaufasane can be found in the Malay Peninsula at altitude 900-1800 meters. This is also clearly distinguishes it from other members of the Pfaufasane, which can be found such as the Palawan Peacock-Pheasant - or bronze - Spiegelpfau exclusively in dense undergrowth original forests of the lowlands.
Little is known about the life in the wild. The absence of loud calls make it difficult very particularly to see these animals in the dense undergrowth.
Rothschilds Pfaufasane eat a high-protein diet with a high proportion of insects. To their diet also includes fruits of certain trees. At night they trees on in free of creepers trees.
The nest of the Rothschild's Peacock-Pheasant apparently regularly consists of two eggs. That distinguishes them from other types of type also Pfaufasane, wherein the clutch size is often only one egg. Has been discussed for the Rothschild's Peacock-Pheasant, whether the males practice a sequential polygamy. Observations suggest that the male leaves the female at the time of oviposition to look for a new partner.
System
The Rothschild's Peacock-Pheasant is estimated by the ornithologist Paul Johngard a transitional form between the Bronze -tailed Peacock-Pheasant and the other, more typical representatives of the Pfaufasane. Compared with these other types of Pfaufasan the iridescent Augflecken are almost inconspicuous. This also applies to the behavior. Although the Rothschilds - Pfaufasan presents his side of the body to the female and turns him while the ruffled plumage. A frontal presentation as it is, for example, to observe the horror Pfaufasan is, however, not yet been developed in this species.