Native to Palawan Island in the Philippines, they are found deep in the island’s humid rainforests. Their survival is dependent on these rainforests, which are threatened by deforestation.
Life of a Palawan peacock-pheasant
Palawan peacock-pheasants grow 18 to 22 inches. Males grow slightly larger than females. They can live up to 15 years in human care. Males have metallic blue wings with blue spots on their tails. Females are soft brown but also have spotted tails.
During mating season, the male Palawan peacock-pheasant performs a unique behavior called “tidbitting.” He spreads his neck feathers wide to conceal his head, then drops a tidbit of food in front of the female and struts around her. If the female accepts the food, the male fully reveals his brilliantly colored tailfeathers in a fan-like display.
After mating, the female lays two to three eggs that hatch after 18 to 20 days. Only the female sits on the eggs until hatching. Couples mate for life, and both parents care for the chicks by providing food and protection. Newborns are fully mobile soon after hatching.
Palawan peacock-pheasants are omnivores that feed on seeds, fruits, insects and worms, as well as small amphibians and reptiles. Their main predators are birds of prey and snakes, as well as humans hunting for meat and the pet trade.
Palawan peacock-pheasants at the zoo
Located in the Treetops section of the Africa area.
