Dark Blue-Black Mikado Pheasant

About the Dark Blue-Black Mikado Pheasant

The cock's dark blue-black plumage is the defining feature of this species: an overall shimmering purplish-black that refracts deep blue and violet iridescence in the light, with feather edges flecked like blue fish-scales. Crisp narrow white bars cross the wing coverts, rump and the long tail, the sole break in the dark body, set off by bright red facial wattles. Taiwan's only Mikado, this calm, dignified mountain pheasant is so emblematic it features on the country's $1,000 banknote.