Kalij Pheasant

male, the Big Island, Hawaii
Volcanos National Park, March 2012

The Kalij Pheasant is one of 12 game birds that were introduced into Hawai'i. Brought to the islands in 1962, the bird's population is rapidly increasing.

The male and female Kalij differ considerably in looks. The male is quite striking and is mainly bluish black with white speckling on its lower back. The male has bright red around the eyes. The females, on the other hand, are fairly plain. They are a medium brown color with darker and lighter spots.

The Kalij are almost always in clusters of male and female, or several males to females. The birds are monogamous and share the brood together. A Survey in 2002 found that 85% of the young Kalij being born were male. Many of the male stay with the family and help the parents raise the next generation. They are quick runners, but will fly if frightened. They are usually found on the ground during the day and in the trees at night. VERY hard to get in the open for photos!

D800
500mm
1/60 sec, f/4
Mode: Av
Metering: Spot
Exp comp: -1/3
ISO: 500
White balance: Auto
Flash: Off