Chrysolophus pictus
In the wild, Golden Pheasants live in mountainous regions of central and southern China, but they have also been introduced in countries such as Britain, over 100 years ago. They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates but at night they roost in trees no more than 12 feet about the ground. Although they can fly, they prefer to run; but if startled they can suddenly burst upwards at great speed, with a distinctive wing sound.
Picture taken in the zoo of Lansing, Michigan, in August 2003.
Genus Chrysolophus
Family Phasianidae
Order Galliformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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