The Blue Eared Pheasant, scientifically known as Crossoptilon auritum, is a large bird native to China. Despite its rarity, it holds a least concern status on the IUCN Red List. This pheasant is highly prized for its feathers, particularly as a substitute for heron in Spey style flies.
Characterized by dark blue-gray plumage and a velvet black crown, the Blue Eared Pheasant features distinctive red facial feathers resembling bare skin, complemented by yellow irises and long white ear coverts behind the eyes. Its legs are a striking crimson hue, and its tail boasts 24 elongated bluish-gray feathers, each tipped with dark accents. Both males and females share similar appearances, with males typically slightly larger, reaching lengths of up to 96 cm (38 in).
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