Tragopan

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Tragopans
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]

Heads of male Tragopans
Eggs of Tragopan and other pheasants

There are five recognized species of Tragopans. Tragopans are endangered.

References

  1. McGowan, Philip; M.W. Ridley (2003). Christopher Perrins, ed. Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds. Firelfly Books. p. 176. ISBN 1-55297-777-3. 
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