Koklass

(Pucrasia macrolopha)

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Pucrasia macrolopha Photo by Sara Whitby

Other Names: Koklass Pheasant

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: 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. Shrubs, small trees, logs, and other enrichment should be provided to keep this curious species occupied. Koklass are a monogamous species, with males often playing a role in rearing and protection. The make excellent natural parents if allowed to rear their own. Koklass are winter hardy, can tolerate quite cold temps, but must have shaded regions during the warmer months. Green food is very important to this species at all stages of life and should offered as often as possible.

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
(l to r): 1, Myles Lamont; 2-4, Dan Cowell; 5-8, Scott Vowers.

• 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 Koklass. Please note, links will open in a new window/tab, depending on your browser settings.

• Koklass Pheasant - ARKive species factsheet.
• 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.