The JAVANESE JUNGLE FOWL (_Gallus furcatus_) is even more gorgeously
plumed than those of its family already described. The long blunt feathers
on the neck are of a deep metallic green, with a narrow border of velvety
black; the long narrow feathers on the upper wing-covers are blackish
green, with bright golden green edges; the long rump-feathers are blackish
green in the centre, bordered with light yellow; and all the feathers
of the tail-covers are of a deep and glossy black. The primary quills
are blackish brown; the secondaries brown, with a narrow, reddish yellow
edge to the outer web; while the real tail-feathers are of a rich glossy
metallic green. The eye is light yellow; the bare face red at its sides,
and marked with King's yellow beneath; the lower part of the comb is blue,
and its apex violet; the beak is greyish black, with greyish yellow at its
base; the foot is light-blueish grey.
The female is considerably smaller than her mate, has her face covered
with feathers, and is entirely without either comb or lappets on the
throat. Her head and throat are greyish brown, the feathers on the mantle
golden green, with greyish brown edges, and delicate golden streaks on the
shafts. The secondary quills and large wing-covers are glossy dark grey,
marked with yellow; the primaries are greyish brown; the tail-feathers
brown, shaded with green, and edged with black. The under side is greyish
cream-colour, and the throat white. This beautiful species is a native of
Java.