The Brown Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) is native to China, Tibet and Mongolia. This variety is the rarest member of the Crossoptilon genus, and was first identified by Robert Swinhoe in the late 1800s.

The Brown Eared Pheasant is a large bird, measuring up to 100cm (39 inches) long. Unlike most pheasant breeds, the male and female Brown Eared Pheasant are almost identical. The only difference between the two is the size — female is generally smaller — and the spurs, which are used to sex the birds — males have spurs which are more round at the base, and the hens are more oval.

These birds have glossy brown hair-like feathering, a black crown, a red featherless face and legs, and long creamy white ear tufts. Their tail feathers have a black edging and are very wide — usually held high in an arch shape.

The Brown Eared Pheasant’s will forage on the ground for seeds, roots, bulbs, and plants.

The breeding season for Brown Eared Pheasants is from April to June when the females will lay 5-8 large, pale stone green eggs. These birds will breed in their second year, and eggs take 28 days to hatch.

These birds are not pinioned and can fly.