Some birds possess an inherent instinct for secrecy. It is a trait passed down through generations to survive in a world of predators. Their behaviours are steeped in discretion. These birds prefer the seclusion of dense foliage, which provides them a protective cover in their natural habitats. Attempts to photograph these elusive creatures in the wild are fascinating and frustrating at the sametime. One such bird is the grey peacock pheasant.
Grey peacock pheasants are residents of the tropics and the subtropics, preferring dense forests with a mix of evergreen and semi-evergreen broad-leaved trees, often with thick undergrowth and bamboos. They are often found near the banks of streams, and they hide at the slightest disturbance, usually living alone or in pairs but coming together in family groups during breeding.
Distributed across Southeast Asia (from north-eastern India through Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China), they prefer altitudes below 1200 metres and are commonly located in the central and eastern Himalayas, encompassing the northeastern states of India (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura). They are the national bird of Myanmar.
Grey peacock pheasant is large, reaching lengths of up to 76 centimetres. It is greyish brown with finely marked green eyespots, complemented by a white throat and grey irises, bill, and legs. Its facial skin is bare and pink or yellow. An elongated bushy crest adorns its head. Although males and females share similarities, females are smaller, darker, and less attractive than males. Young birds resemble the females in appearance.
During courtship, males display a striking pose, crouching with fully spread wings and tail, showcasing peacock-like features. As part of their courtship ritual, males display a distinctive feeding behaviour, flicking food towards the female with a sudden head movement.
Grey peacock pheasants mainly eat seeds, grains, berries, fruits, and insects, especially termites. With gentle scratching movements, they quietly explore the dense undergrowth, searching for food amidst fallen leaves.
Capturing a glimpse of these birds has been on my bucket list for sometime. To fulfil this dream, I set my sights on the Dehing Patkai rainforest in Assam, India, a promising haven with a high likelihood of encountering this elusive species. Knowing the importance of expertise in such pursuits, I sought the guidance of Palash Phukan, a seasoned birding guide.
Grey peacock pheasants start their activities before sunrise, around 4:00 to 4:30, and retire by late afternoon, between 4:30 and 5:00, the most heightened period of activity being between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning. In sync with the avian schedule, we reached the forest around 5:30 in the morning. The air was crisp, carrying the whispers of awakening nature. We quickly readied our gears to witness these pheasants in their most animated and resplendent moments.
Being masters of discretion, these birds reveal their whereabouts primarily through distinct calls. During breeding season, these pheasants sporadically break the silence of the forest with their vocal performances. Males take centre stage to proclaim their territories, during dawn and dusk. Their performance commences with a resounding whistle that pierces the tranquillity of the forest, followed by a harsh, chuckling call.
Armed with this knowledge, we embarked on our quest. Our ears serving as our guiding compass, we navigated the forest’s acoustic maze, listening intently for that unmistakable whistle. Each rustle, every fleeting chirp held the potential to lead us to these pheasants. We patiently waited for the telltale calls.
Soon enough the anticipated call resonated near our vicinity, and a rush of excitement surged through us; yet embracing an almost reverent silence, we crouched beneath the sheltering bushes, trying to seamlessly blend into our surroundings. And with bated breath, we remained still, our spirits aligned with the silent pulse of the forest.
A subtle stir in the bushes disrupted the stillness. We held our breaths in anticipation as our cameras pivoted in unison, trained on the source of movement. Amidst the foliage, glimpses of the grey peacock pheasant teased our senses. Emerging from its leafy haven, the bird stepped into an open expanse and revealed its resplendent plumage to the world. Time stood still as shutters clicked endlessly, capturing the mesmerizing sight before us. The pheasant moved with a confident posture, often described as a ‘strutting gait’.
After a few minutes, it gracefully retreated back into the bushes, having given us ample time to take pictures. A quiet rustle marked its departure. We finally stirred from our trancelike state, as if roused from an enchanting dream. With shared glances and silent nods, we acknowledged the rarity and significance of what we had just witnessed.
Despite the elation of witnessing the grey peacock pheasant, I felt an undercurrent of sadness at the thought of its habitat loss. Human activities such as shifting cultivation (slash-and-burn agriculture) and logging, and the devastating impact of forest fires have deeply affected the sacred forests where these pheasants live. Also, the relentless and unplanned harvesting of bamboo for paper production has led to the degradation, loss, and fragmentation of their precious habitats. The recent encroachment of forests for construction of roads and railway lines has further exacerbated the plight of these creatures. And the need to safeguard their ecosystems became an impassioned plea. It is imperative to preserve these forests and the life they support.
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Your nature trials are a treat to read and the images are mesmerising!!