Tibetan Eared-Pheasant Crossoptilon harmani

Distinctive slate-gray pheasant with a bright red face, scraggly fan-shaped tail, and bizarre white whiskers (the namesake “ears”). Also note black cap, pale gray rump, and whitish belly. Restricted to the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, where it inhabits areas with dense scrubby or brushy cover. Typically at 3000-5000 meters, though it is known to descend in the winter. Regularly found around monasteries which put food out for wildlife. Forages on the ground in small to medium-sized flocks. Can be vocal, giving high-pitched grunts and a rising squeal: “gu-tse-WEEW!"