Vietnamese Pheasant

(Lophura edwardsi hatinhensis)

Vietnamese Pheasant Photo by Jan Harteman

Also known as the Hatinhensis Pheasant, Vo Quy's Pheasant or Vietnamese Fireback, is sometimes classed as a subspecies of the Edwards Pheasant or as a monotypic species, Lophura hatinhensis. It is hoped that current DNA studies by the WPA will help to determine the bird's taxonomic status. As more becomes available, I will be sure to add it. Discovered in 1964 in central Vietnam, it was officially described as a new species by Professor Vo Quy in 1975. They were not kept in captivity until 1990 when six birds were brought to the Hanoi Zoo. They have bred successfully in Hanoi and several birds have been sent to European collections where they have also been been successfully bred. Captive population is around 100 birds. As of this writing, none are kept in American aviaries.

Similiar to the Edwards in most aspects, with this species having the central tail rectrices white instead of blue in the Edwards and slightly longer; the white crest may also be longer. The female is nearly identical to the Edwards' hen, perhaps a little darker.

If you would like to add your experiences with this species, send an e-mail to lophura@hughes.net.

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