
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 1.0
Crossoptilon crossoptilon
Habitat
Alpine meadows close to or above the snowline
Clutch size
4–7 eggs
Incubation period
24–25 days
Size
86–96cm
Weight
Females 1,400–2,050g, males 2,350–2,750g
The white eared pheasant, also known as Dolan's eared pheasant or Bee's pheasant, gets its name from its white colouring and the prominent ear tufts of its genus, not from white ears. It reaches 86–96cm in length and weighs 1,400–2,050g (females) or 2,350–2,750g (males) (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is gregarious, living in large flocks and foraging on alpine meadows close to or above the snowline throughout the year. Breeding lasts until June, with four to seven eggs per clutch and an incubation of 24–25 days. It relies on defensive escape behaviours that do not require flight when attacked by ground predators (Wikipedia, general species account).