Koklass

(Pucrasia macrolopha)

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Pucrasia macrolopha Photo by Sara Whitby

Other Names: None other than distinct subspecies.

Range: This species has a wide range across asia, from Afganistan to China. The range is not continuous and in some cases the subspecies are seperated by quite a distance. Of the most common subspecies kept in American aviculture, the nominate race, the Indian or Common Koklass, is found in north-central India and southern Nepal; the Western Koklass is found in eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan and the Yellow-necked Koklass is native to north-eastern China.

Subspecies: Nine, Indian Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha macrolopha), Western Koklass (P. m. castanea), Kashmir Koklass (P. m. biddulphi), Meyer's Koklass (P. m. meyeri), Orange-collared Koklass (P. m. ruficollis), Yellow-necked Koklass (P. m. xanthospila), Joret's Koklass (P. m. joretiana), Darwin's Koklass (P. m. darwini).

Habitat: In mountainous areas of coniferous or mixed forests.

Status in Wild: Stable.

Avicultural Data

Status in Aviculture: Uncommon.

Breeding Season: April to June.

Breeding Age: First year.

Clutch Size: 9-12 eggs.

Incubation Period: 26-27 days.

Misc. Aviculture Notes: This species requires a spacious aviary with good drainage. Green food is a must to keep in good condition. They are winter hardy. Best kept with one hen to a male.

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
(l to r): 1, Myles Lamont; 2-4, Hugo Barbosa.

• Delacour, J. 1977. The Pheasants of the World. 2nd ed., World Pheasant Association and Spur Publications, Hindhead, U.K.
• Delacour, J. 1978. Pheasants: Their Care and Breeding. T.F.H. Publishing, Neptune, NJ.
• De Schauensee, R.M. 1984. The Birds of China. Smithsonian Press, Washington D.C.
• Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. 2000. Birds of Nepal. Christopher Helm, London; Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
• Howman, K. 1991. Pheasants of the World: Their Breeding and Management. Hancock House Publishers, Surrey, B.C. Canada.
• Johnsgard, P.A. 1999. The Pheasants of the World: Biology and Natural History. 2nd ed., Smithsonian Press, Washington D.C.
• Madge, S., McGowan, P. 2002. Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

Links related to this species. Please note, links will open in a new window.

• Pheasants of Pakistan: Koklass - Information from the Wildlife of Pakistan website..
• Pucrasia macrolopha Images - Images of this species located at the Phasianidae group on flickr.
• Wikipedia - Koklass - Wikipedia's species page.