A David Mead original from Pheasants, Partridges & Grouse, published by Christopher Helm (2002)

Plate 31

Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus
Himalayas, China

Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii
NE India, C China, N Vietnam

Cabot’s Tragopan Tragopan caboti
SE China

ABOUT THE BIRDS The small, somewhat partridge-like Blood Pheasant lives in mountain forests and alpine scrub. Males vary in the extent of blood-red feathers on their breasts.

The beautiful Temminck’s Tragopan has a bizarre courtship display, in which the male inflates his throat to reveal a large, dangling pouch of brilliant blue and red skin.

Less colourful but strikingly mottled, Cabot’s Tragopan is essentially a forest-dweller, although it may be seen on mountain slopes above the tree line in summer.

Medium Gouache and watercolour on white Fabriano paper
Image size 10in x 14in (25.5cm x 35.5cm)