Mikado pheasant

The species occupies dense shrubs, bamboo growth and grassy terrain with conifer overstory in central and southern Taiwan, from 2000 to 3200 metres above sea level. Mikado Pheasants will often walk and forage for food at the same time, in a manner similar to chickens, on the forest floor and mountain trails, especially on rainy and foggy days. They will often come out into the open either in light rain or after heavy rain, where the fog often conceals them. These birds tend to be solitary, often quiet, yet alert. The pheasants can usually tolerate the presence of humans and as long as there is a distance of 10-20 metres, it is possible to observe them. When disturbed, they will often slowly and cautiously seek out shelter within surrounding shrubs, rather than trying to flutter away in a panic. If desperate, they can fly only short distances, diving down the mountainside. The males are territorial, with a range of 200-400 metres in radius. They make ke, ke, ke calls when fighting for their mate or territory.

The Mikado pheasant is classified as Near Threatened (NT), is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

The Mikado Pheasant, Syrmaticus mikado, is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds. It is endemic to mountainous regions of Taiwan. The species occupies dense shrubs, bamboo growth and grassy terrain with conifer overstory in central and southern Taiwan, from 2000 to 3200 metres above sea level. More

The Mikado Pheasant, Syrmaticus mikado, is endemic to the mountainous broadleaf, coniferous and mixed forest regions of Central Taiwan, where they can be found at 6,000 ft to 10,000 ft (~2,000-3,200m) elevations. They are mainly dwellers of thick forest, but seem to also do well in secondary bamboo growth. This species occupies dense shrubs, bamboo growth and grassy terrain with conifer overstory. More

Mikado Pheasant Information - By Donna Bush Alberta, Canada In the wild Mikados are found exclusively in the central mountain area of the island of Taiwan. They have been on the endangered list for a number of years, and there is no positive news of their numbers growing. In captivity, they are being bred successfully worldwide. More

The Mikado pheasant is revered as the national bird of Taiwan and often referred to locally as “king of the mist” (4). With its shimmering purplish-black plumage, the male of this large, elegant, long-tailed pheasant (Syrmaticus spp.) is much darker than other species of the genus. Contrasting starkly against this glossy dark plumage are conspicuous white bars on the rump, tail and wing, and bright crimson-red face wattles (5). More

The Mikado pheasant is revered as the national bird of Taiwan and often referred to locally as “king of the mist”. With its shimmering purplish-black plumage, the male of this large, elegant, long-tailed pheasant (Syrmaticus spp.) is much darker than ... More

Mikado pheasants walk and search for their food at the same time and have a wide diet that includes tender shoots, fruits, the seeds of woody and herbaceous plants, insects, and earthworms. The plumage of male birds is more brilliantly colored than that of female birds, which tends to be dark chestnut in color. Mikado pheasants primarily inhabit coniferous broad-leaved forests, mixed coniferous broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, and dwarf bamboo plantations located at middle and high elevations. More

The Mikado Pheasant, Syrmaticus mikado, is endemic to the mountainous broadleaf, coniferous and mixed forest regions of Central Taiwan, where they can be found at 6,000 ft to 10,000 ft (~2,000-3,200m) elevations. More

Mikado Pheasant is considered Near-threatened. Heavy hunting pressure was a problem for it in the past. Declining outside of protected areas due to habitat loss, but its high-altitude habitats are relatively secure. Local common names include: black pheasant, long black-tailed pheasant, sea pheasant, king of the mist. References: Endemic Species of Taiwan, compiled by Greenland Ecology Conservation Association of R.O.C. www.gio.gov. More

The Mikado Pheasant is listed as being endangered in its natural habitat. They are making somewhat of a comeback in the aviaries around the country. This pheasant is considered to be very rare. The colors of this bird are a brilliant deep royal blue and almost dark purple. The markings on the feathers have triangle shapes from the shoulder to the back. More

The Mikado Pheasant, while less colorful than most other species, is nevertheless a most attractive bird. The cock is predominantly a metallic blue-black color, with bars of white across the wing coverts, rump, and tail, and prominent, red wattles around the eye. They come only from the island of Taiwan where they live in the mountains at around 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,800 to 3,000 meters). While primarily a bird of the thick forest, they seem able to adapt well to secondary bamboo growth. More

The Mikado Pheasant is one of the long tailed pheasants belonging to the same genus (Syrmaticus) as the Copper, Reeves, Bartailed and Elliot's pheasants. Compared with some pheasant species it is quite a plain bird the cock being predominantly black with white barring on the tail and wings. However there is a splendid purplish metallic sheen to the black plumage, as well as a perfect contrast of white stripes and bright red orbital wattles which help to create a very understated beauty. More

The Mikado Pheasant prefers the mountain broadleaf, coniferous and mixed forests from 1,500 to 3,000 meters (5,000 to 10,000 feet). They are active mostly at dawn and at dusk. They eat the new leaves of plants, as well as fruits, seeds, insects and earthworms. They can be found in three protected areas: Taroko, Yushan, and Sheipa National Parks. Because of their beautiful feathers, the Mikado were hunted excessively. They are now protected by the Wildlife Conservation Law. More