20 Pheasants & Partridges of Vietnam

Pheasants & Partridges of Vietnam – Phasianidae

Vietnam is home to 20 species of pheasants and partridges, some of which are very rare to spot. Among them, four stand out as Vietnam’s rare forest treasures: the striking Edwards’s Pheasant, Orange-necked Partridge, Vietnamese Crested Argus, and Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant. Alongside these, the elegant Green Peafowl and Siamese Fireback are also highly sought after by birdwatchers.

While some of these birds can be found in neighboring countries, Vietnam remains their most important habitat, making it the best place to see these beautiful and elusive species.

You may know – When talking about birding in Vietnam, two bird families are sure to be mentioned, pittas, pheasants and partridges. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or planning your first trip, these colorful and elusive birds are among the most exciting species to spot in Vietnam’s forests.

The overview of Pheasants & Partridges families

The Phasianidae family is known for its heavy, ground-dwelling birds like pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, turkeys, Old World quail, and peafowl. Many of them are well-known as gamebirds. With 185 species across 54 genera, this diverse family was once divided into two subfamilies: Phasianinae and Perdicinae.

It was not until recently scientists have reclassified the Phasianidae family based on new research. The family is now grouped into two subfamilies: Rollulinae and Phasianinae (further divided into different groups.)

Previously, New World quail (Odontophoridae) and Guineafowl (Numididae) were sometimes included in this family, but they are now placed seperately. On the other hand, grouse and turkeys, which were once considered separate families (Tetraonidae and Meleagrididae), are now recognized as part of the Phasianidae family.

The Phasianidae are mostly an Old World family, with a distribution that includes most of Europe and Asia (except the far north), all of Africa except the driest deserts, and south into much of eastern Australia and (formerly) New Zealand. The Meleagridini (turkeys) are native to the New World, while the Tetraonini (grouse) are circumpolar; both of these are members of Phasianinae. The greatest diversity of species is in Southeast Asia and Africa. The Congo peacock is specific to the African Congo.

Most birds in this family stay in one place, but some of them, like Ptarmigans and Old World quail, migrate long distances. Many species, especially pheasants, have been widely introduced to different parts of the world, including Europe, Australia, and the Americas, mainly for hunting. Some birds, like peafowl, domestic chickens, and turkeys, have also escaped from captivity or been released and now live in the wild.

Some Highlight Pheasants & Partridges of Vietnam

Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi – Endemic

Status: Near-threatened

Best time to watch & Photo: Dec-Feb

Tour cover: Cat Tien Np.

Hotspot: Cat Tien Np.

Tonkin Partridge A. tonkinensis

Status: (E Tonkin

Best time to watch & Photo: Jun-Aug

Tours: May – Sep

Hotspot: Cuc Phuong

Edwards’s Pheasant Lophura edwardsi – Endemic

Status: Critically endangered

Best time to watch & Photo: UNKNOW

Tours: North of Central Vietnam

Hotspot: Khe Nuoc Trong

Vietnamese Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata – Endemic

Status: Critically endangered

Best time to watch & Photo: UNKOWN

Tours: Central Vietnam

Hotspot: Tay Giang, Dong Giang

Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron germaini – Endemic

Status: Near-threatened

Best time to watch & Photo: Jan-Mar

Tours: Central Highland & South Vietnam

Hotspot: Cat Tien, Ma Da, Tan Phu, Dalat Pateau

Green Peafowl Pavo muticus

Status: Endangered

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours: Central Highland, South of Central & South East Vietnam

Hotspot: Cat Tien Np., Yokdon Np.

Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera

Status: Local common resident (throughout)

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours:

Hotspot: Cat Tien, Ma Da, Tan Phu

Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi

Status: Common breeding (C&S Annam, pass migrant E Tokin)

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Tours:

Hotspot: Cat Tien, Nui Dinh, Ma Da

Asian Blue Quail Synoicus chinensis

Status: Rare breeding visitor (W Tonkin, S Annam, Cochinchina)

Best time to watch & Photo: Feb-Apr

Hotspot: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta

List of all Pheasants and Partridges in Vietnam

All Vietnam Birds Families

Wildlife Tours for Pheasants and Partridges of Vietnam

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