Extended Fall Season Hours

We are extending the Fall Season and will remain open (weather dependent) through Nov. 15, 2025. Fall hours are Monday - Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM with wagon rides 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

CLOSE
Connect with us!
4147 County Road 114
Sugarcreek, OH 44681
330-893-4200
Our Animals
Go Back To Main Quail & Pheasants Page
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Chrysolophus amherstiae
Lady Amhearst's Pheasants at The Farm at Walnut Creek
Description

The Lady Amherst's Pheasant, Chrysolophus amherstiae, is a bird of the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae.

The name commemorates Sarah Countess Amherst, wife of William Pitt Amherst, Governor General of Bengal, who was responsible for sending the first specimen of the bird to London in 1828.
Physical Description
The adult male is 100-120 cm in length, its tail accounting for 80 cm of the total length. It is unmistakable with its black and silver head, long grey tail and rump, and red, blue, white and yellow body plumage. The "cape" can be raised in display. This species is closely related to the Golden Pheasant and the introduced populations in England will interbreed. The female is much less showy, with a duller mottled brown plumage all over, similar to that of the female Common Pheasant but with finer barring. She is very like the female Golden Pheasant, but has a darker head and cleaner underparts than the hen of that species.
Habitat & Range
These are native to south western China and Myanmar, but have been introduced elsewhere, and have established a self-supporting, but now declining, feral population in England, the stronghold of which is now in Bedfordshire. As of 2009 only three males remain at one site, known as Jackdaw Hill, near Millbrook in Bedfordshire.
Ecology & Behavior
Despite the male's showy appearance, these birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark forests with thick undergrowth. Consequently, little is known of their behavior in the wild. They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates, but roost in trees at night. Whilst they can fly, they prefer to run, but if startled they can suddenly burst upwards at great speed, with a distinctive wing sound. The male has a gruff call in the breeding season.
Join Our Mailing List
Receive event announcements, Farm news, and more.
Join Now
Connect With Us
Connect With Us
4147 County Road 114
Sugarcreek, OH 44681
PH: (330) 893-4200
Email Us Here
Copyright © 2023 The Farm at Walnut Creek - All Rights Reserved
Web Design by The Web Factors
cross