The SIAMESE FIREBACK (_Euplocamus-Diardigallus-prælatus_) is a fine
species, with the throat and upper part of the breast and back of a
beautiful dark grey; the crown of the head and a narrow band around the
bare red cheek are black; the feathers on the centre of the back are
bright yellow; those on the rump black, with a broad scarlet edge. The
wing-feathers are grey, bordered and marked with a darker shade; those
of the tail are lustrous blackish green, and those on the breast deep
black, with a green gloss; the crest is composed of from twelve to twenty
feathers, having lancet-shaped tips and bare shafts towards their roots.
This bird is a native of Siam, where it is known as the "Kai-pha." Sir
Robert Schomburghk saw a living specimen in a collection of animals at a
Siamese temple, and purchased it. When in captivity, instead of seeds, it
had been fed upon the fry of fishes, prawns, and shrimps; this specimen,
when dead, was forwarded to Mr. Gould. Sir Robert Schomburghk was
afterwards told by the Prime Minister, or Kalakorne, that this pheasant is
found at Rapri, or Raxaburi according to Sir J. Bowring's map, in latitude
31° 33´ north; longitude say 100° east.
Mr. Gould, previously to the receipt of this specimen, had seen a drawing
of the bird in the East India Company's collection.
Schomburghk describes some of these birds kept by himself as being readily
tamed; their flight resembled that of a Partridge, and their cry, when
alarmed, was loud and harsh. Their food consisted of insects, rice in the
husk, small bits of plants, bananas, and various other kinds of fruit; the
latter diet they evidently preferred.