Crested Argus
Perlenpfau ( Rheinardia ocellata )
The Perlenpfau ( Rheinardia ocellata ) is a species of the family of the pheasant -like. He is the only extant representative of the genus in the Perlenpfaue and comes in two subspecies in Southeast Asia before.
Appearance
The male reaches a body length of 180-235 centimeters. The females, however, are only 74-75 inches long. The big difference is due to the extremely long tail feathers of the male. Among the extant species of Perlenpfau has possibly the longest feathers. The mean of the twelve tail feathers can reach a length of 1.5 to 1.7 meters, this spring length is reached only by peacock pearls, between the ages of five and six years.
The plumage of the total Perlenpfaues is not colored very noticeable. The neck of the male is chestnut- brown. The body plumage is against matt dark brown with small ocher and black spots. The head is relatively small. The top of the head and the ear patches are brownish. The side springs of the spring tuft on the head, however, are whitish. The chin and throat are gray. The females not only lacks the long tail feathers. Their plumage is generally duller and the Crest is less pronounced.
Area of distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Perlenpfaus includes Vietnam, Laos and Central Malaysia. On the Malay Peninsula its range is mainly restricted to the Taman Negara National Park. The peacock is locally not rare but hard to detect because of its inconspicuous plumage coloration. He falls on mainly by the well audible call of the male.
The habitat of the Perlenpfaus are predominantly old-growth forests. It occurs at different altitudes. In Vietnam, it is found in primary and secondary forests at altitudes between 100 and 700 meters in altitude and on the Da Lat Plateau at altitudes 1700-1900 meters. On the Malay Peninsula it is found mainly at altitudes between 800 and 1,000 meters.
Way of life
The Perlenpfau considered to be very vigilant and shy. He studied at the slightest disturbance refuge in the dense undergrowth. His habits are therefore still not very well researched. Its diet consists of fruits, insects and their larvae, leaves, fruits, and occasionally amphibians.