09/07/2022
Found in the jungles of Southeast Asia, on islands like Borneo, Sumatra and Malay, feeding on the forest floors is a truly remarkable species of bird.
With males measuring up to 2m in length, they are one one of the largest pheasants in the world.
And yes, of course they dance!
For mating, he clears a patch of forest to create his dancing ground. After attracting a female with his loud calls, he dances before her, spreading his wings into giant fan shapes to reveal hundred of flashy eye-like shapes on his feathers.
Sometimes I see these things that nature creates and cant even comprehend how. Eyes on birds and butterflies have always been my biggest hangup. It makes me feel like nature is doing things we cant possibly comprehend.
This is a perfect example of that.
Feathers of the Great Argus Pheasant from the ornithology collection.
