(_about one half Nat. size_)]
The Argus Pheasant is said to be found in the woods of Sumatra, and is
called by the natives Coo-ow, or Kuaow. It does not bear long confinement,
and seems to have an antipathy to the light, remaining inanimate during
the day. When kept in a dark place, however, it appears to be perfectly at
ease, and sometimes utters the note or call from which it takes its name.
This cry is rather plaintive, and not harsh like that of the Peacock. The
flavour of its flesh resembles that of the Common Pheasant.
* * * * *
The PEACOCK PHEASANTS (_Polyplectron_) constitute a group forming the
connecting link between the Argus Pheasants and the Peacocks. They have
small, slender bodies; short, decidedly rounded wings, in which the fifth
and sixth quills are the longest, and the feathers of the upper covers
much prolonged; the tail is long, composed of twelve feathers, broad at
its extremity and slightly graduated; the feathers on the upper covers
closely resemble those beneath them in form, colour, and markings. The
long, thin tarsus is armed with from two to six spurs, the toes are short,
and the claws small; the moderate-sized beak is thin, straight, compressed
at its sides, slightly curved towards the tip, and covered with feathers
at its base. The plumage of the male is enlivened by numerous eyes upon
the tail, and occasionally on the mantle and wing-covers.