Crested Fireback Lophura ignita/rufa

The Crested Fireback is a pheasant native to Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo and Indonesia. The male is glossy metallic blue with a reddish brown back, a light blue face wattle and a blue crest. In 2023 the four subspecies were split into two separate species: the Malay(an) and the Bornean.

Above is the Malay(an) former subspecies, also called Vieillot's Crested Fireback, now Lophura rufa, which has white central tail feathers, red legs and a dark underside with white stripes.

The Delacour's former subspecies above, formerly Lophura ignita macartneyi, of Sumatra, also has white central tail feathers but with white legs and reddish brown underside. The two Borneo former subspecies, including the nominal Borneo Crested Fireback Lophura ignita ignita (male not shown), are similar but with light brown central tail feathers. The Delacour's is now considered a stable hybrid between the Malay and (introduced) Bornean.

As with all pheasants, the females are plainer. All subspecies have brown plumage with white-edged feathers on the underside and bare blue faces. The Malay species (above) is a lighter reddish brown with red legs.

The Delacours hybrid (above left) is darker, with white legs and the Bornean species (nominal Borneo above centre) are also dark, with white legs and black tails. Both species are vulnerable, declining through habitat destruction and over-hunting.