Ten More Years of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) on Maui, Hawaiian Islands1

Research confirms that the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) has established a self-sustaining population on Maui, Hawaiian Islands, expanding its range from Waikamoi Preserve to Haleakalā National Park over the past decade. The study leveraged multiple data sources—including forest bird surveys, eBird reports, autonomous recording units, and trail cameras—to document increased detection frequencies and seasonal activity patterns, particularly in spring. Observations also revealed two color morphs (wild-type and dark-throated) and evidence of juvenile survival, suggesting successful reproduction. The pheasant's expansion is attributed to minimal predator influence and the absence of competing gallinaceous birds in its preferred subalpine cloud forest habitat.

Pratt, T. K., Warren, C. C., Kekiwi, E. K., Fay, K., & Camp, R. J. (2025). Ten More Years of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) on Maui, Hawaiian Islands1. Pacific Science, 78(4). https://doi.org/10.2984/78.4.1