Head to head
Koklass Pheasant vs Cheer Pheasant
The koklass pheasant and cheer pheasant are both Himalayan pheasants better known for their distinctive calls than for showy plumage, though their conservation outlooks differ considerably.
| Koklass Pheasant | Cheer Pheasant | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pucrasia macrolopha | Catreus wallichii |
| Signature feature | Double-pointed forked crest | Long grey-brown barred tail |
| Vocal behaviour | Harsh call gives the species its name | Loud calls specifically at dawn and dusk |
| Preferred habitat | Higher elevation forest | Steep grassy hillsides near forest |
| Population status | Widespread | Fragmented across scattered sites |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Population trend | Stable | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Forest, mountains | Forest, mountains |
Koklass Pheasant vs Cheer Pheasant: common questions
Why are both the koklass pheasant and cheer pheasant known for their calls?
The koklass pheasant produces a harsh call resembling the sound "koklass," which gives the species its name, while the cheer pheasant produces loud calls specifically at dawn and dusk to establish territory, a habit that has made it easier to survey by ear than by sight.
Which is more threatened, the koklass pheasant or the cheer pheasant?
The cheer pheasant is considerably more threatened, with a fragmented population reduced by historical hunting and ongoing habitat loss leaving it classified as Vulnerable, while the koklass pheasant remains widespread and stable enough to be classified as Least Concern.
What kind of habitat does each species prefer?
The koklass pheasant favours higher elevation forest, while the cheer pheasant instead prefers steep grassy hillsides bordering forest rather than dense forest interior, a habitat preference distinct from most other pheasant species in the region.