In the morning light, some blue-grey birds emerge on the alpine meadow. Bathing in the sun, their feathers manifest a metallic luster as if they were wearing gorgeous velvet cloaks. They are blue eared pheasants, a species endemic to China. It has some monikers that are derived from its gorgeous plumage. The auriculars pointing backwards resemble snow-white scarfs wafting with the gentle breeze or a pair of pointed horns. Hence, it is called "horned chicken."

About 'Journeys in Nature': Mountainous Qinghai Series

With mountains as the towering body and water as the restless soul, such convergence makes mountainous Qinghai Province in northwest China a pinnacle of life. As summer comes, animals like camels begin to shed their heavy winter suits, while others like red foxes, Tibetan wild asses and Tibetan gazelles are busy bringing up their little ones. CGTN will take you on a trip to explore the secret lives of the amazing creatures inhabiting Qinghai. 

For more:

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 1: Plateau king

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 2: Walking blanket

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 3: Molting season

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 4: Valiant fox cubs

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 5: Blooming in the cold

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 6: Harmony in chaos

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 7: Grassland overlord

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 8: Season for love

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 9: Pinnacle of life

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 10: Chinese mountain cat

Mountainous Qinghai Series | Episode 11: A gazelle's tale

(Cover image is a video screenshot; video shot by the CGTN Nature film crew)

(If you have specific expertise and want to contribute, or if you have a topic of interest that you'd like to share with us, please email us at nature@cgtn.com.)