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The 'Koklass' ''Pucrasia macrolopha'' is a species of the
Pheasant family,
Phasianidae, and is the only species in the genus ''Pucrasia''.
Koklass (''Pucrasia macrolopha'') is a
monotypic species of genus Pucrasia with nine subspecies recognised so far. These are:
# Indian koklass (''P. m. macrolopha''),
# Western koklass (''P. m. castanea''),
# Kashmir koklass (''P. m. biddulphi''),
# Nepal koklass (''P. m. nipalensis''),
# Meyer’s koklass (''P. m. meyeri''),
# Orange-collared koklass (''P. m. rufficollis''),
# Yellow-necked koklass (''P. m. xanthospila''),
# Joret’s koklass (P. m. jorentiana) and
# Darwin’s koklass (P. m. darwini).
This entry deals with the subspecies ''P. m. biddulphi'', which ranges from
Kashmir east to Kullu in
India. With exception of the subspecies nipalensis, castanea and macrolopha, which are endemic to the southern side of northwest and western
Himalaya, other five are confined to
China and
Mongolia.

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The Koklass is a medium sized elusive bird confined to high altitude forests from
Afghanistan to central
Nepal, and in northeastern
Tibet to northern and eastern
China. Upper parts of male Koklass are covered with silver-grey
plumage streaked velvety-black down the centre of each feather, and it has the unique feature of a black head, chestnut breast and prominent white patches on the sides of neck. The females differ from males in above characters and instead their upper parts are covered with pale brown plumage. Both sexes, however, have distinct elongated tails tipped with pale feathers. The males are known to weigh about 1135 – 1415g and the females, about 1025 – 1135g, with the body length varying from 58 – 64cm and 18 – 22cm respectively. Immature and juveniles resemble adult females in plumage pattern.
Like the
Western Tragopan, it does not extend its range above the tree line. One of the less colourful pheasants, the Koklass exhibits moderate
sexual dimorphism. Though they skulk under bushes, which makes direct sighting difficult, they give loud chorus/predawn calls during the breeding season and during autumn, revealing their presence. They remain in pairs or small family groups throughout the year. They nest on the ground and spend the nights roosting on trees, or under rock overhangs.
References
★ Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern