About Lophura leucomelanos (Latham, 1790)
This species, Lophura leucomelanos, shows distinct size differences between males and females. Males have a total length of 63 to 74 cm (25 to 29 inches), while females reach a total length of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches). Its recognized subspecies can be very broadly split into two main groups based on their geographic ranges and plumage characteristics. The first group, which includes the subspecies L. l. hamiltoni, L. l. leucomelanos, L. l. melanota, L. l. moffitti, and L. l. lathami, occurs in the western and central portions of the species' total range. For males in this first group, most of their plumage is glossy blue-black. Most subspecies in this group also have white coloring on the rump or underparts. The westernmost subspecies, L. l. hamiltoni, is the only one in the group with a white crest; all other first-group subspecies have a blue-black crest. The second group of subspecies includes L. l. williamsi, L. l. oatesi, L. l. lineata, and L. l. crawfurdi, which are found in the eastern part of the species' range. Males in this second group have glossy blue-black underparts and crest, but their tail and upperparts are white or very pale grey, with most feathers marked by dense black vermiculation. All females of Lophura leucomelanos are brownish overall. Among different subspecies, females have varied underpart patterning: in some subspecies, underparts are clearly marked with whitish and black, while in others most feathers have pale edges that create a scaly appearance.
