Palawan Peacock Pheasant
This striking bird is endemic to the Philippines, found only in the humid forests of Palawan Island. Locally known as the ‘tandikan,’ it is one of eight peacock-pheasant species in the world. Males are easily recognisable by their shimmering blue and green plumage, white facial markings, red eye-ring, and tail feathers decorated with eye-like spots. Females, while more muted in colour, also have a crest and spotted tail feathers. Male Palawan peacock-pheasants court females with a behaviour known as “tidbitting.” The male spreads his neck feathers so widely that his head becomes hidden, then drops a small piece of food in front of the female and struts around in circles. If she is interested, she accepts his offering, and they mate. Males may also compete for a female’s attention by using their leg spurs in fights against rivals.
Diet
Palawan peacock-pheasants are omnivores, feeding on seeds, grains, nuts, fruit, leaves, roots, slugs, worms, and insects. They also consume small frogs, centipedes, and insect larvae.
FUN FACT
These birds are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds. While the female incubates the eggs, both parents take part in raising the chicks. The young remain dependent on their parents for around ten weeks.
LIFE SPAN
10-15 years.
HABITAT
Palawan peacock-pheasants inhabit the dense, humid forests of Palawan Island in the Philippines, favouring lowland and coastal regions with thick tree cover. Their population is currently classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade. The forests of Palawan are crucial to their survival, as the density of large trees is linked to their population stability.
