Lady Amherst Pheasants (Chrysolophus amherstiae) are named for Lady Sarah Amherst who first introduced these ornamental pheasants on her estate — near Woburn Abbey, just outside London, England — where they were used for game and breeding. 

Lady Amherst pheasants are native to southwestern China and far northern Myanmar. Adult males are approximately 40-48 inches long, with its tail measuring up to 31 inches. of the bird's total length. The bird has a spectacular and unique appearance with a black and white nuchal cape and a red crest, a long grey tail with red, blue, dark green, white and yellow plumage underneath. The Lady Amherst is closely related to the Golden Pheasant, but with yellow eyes and blue-green bare skin around them, a horn-colored bill, and blue-gray legs. The female is much less colorful with mottled-brown plumage — similar to a female common pheasant, but with finer barring. Female Lady Amherst pheasants are similar to the female Golden Pheasant, but with a darker head.

Lady Amherst Pheasants feed on the ground and eat grain, leaves and invertebrates, and roost in trees at night. These pheasants prefer to run rather than fly. 

These birds are not pinioned and can fly. To request that a wing be clipped, please call our office at (800) 456-3280. See our FAQ for more information on states with restrictions on juvenile birds. We recommend checking with your state wildlife or regulatory agency before placing your order.