Tragopan
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| Tragopans | |
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| Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Galliformes |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Subfamily: | Phasianinae |
| Genus: | Tragopan Cuvier, 1829 |
Tragopan is a genus of bird in the family Phasianidae. These birds are commonly called "horny pheasants" because of two brightly-colored, fleshy horns on their heads that they can erect during courtship displays. The scientific name refers to this, being a composite of tragus (billy goat) and the ribald half-goat deity Pan (and in the case of the Satyr Tragopan, adding Pan's companions for even more emphasis). Their habit of nesting in trees is unique among phasianids.[1]
There are five recognized species of Tragopans. Tragopans are endangered.
- Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus
- Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra
- Temminck's Tragopan Tragopan temminckii
- Blyth's Tragopan Tragopan blythii
- Cabot's Tragopan Tragopan caboti
[edit] References
- ^ McGowan, Philip; M.W. Ridley (2003). Christopher Perrins. ed. Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds. Firelfly Books. pp. 176. ISBN 1-55297-777-3.
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