Copper Pheasant（Scintillant Pheasant) ssp. scintillans

Copper Pheasant ssp. scintillans: 19th JAN, 2021. Gifu, Japan

This bird is endemic to Japan and has 5 subspecies. Some field guides treat them as 3 taxa.

Each subspecies has different plumage color and distribution within Japan.

The bird in the photo is ssp. scintillans, which is known for the white edges on the feathers over the whole body.

The male Copper Pheasant has a very long tail, reaching up to 1 m, and has a bright copper-red color as the name suggests.

It is very symbolic and beautiful, and it is one of my favorite birds in Japan.

If you see this species, why not try to complete all 5 subspecies next time?