A few blue-eared pheasants were recently spotted as rangers were on patrol in Qilian Mountain National Park in northwest China's Gansu Province.

Qilian Mountain National Park, one of the 10 pilot national parks in China, spans an area of over 50,000 square kilometers, located at the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces.

The blue-eared pheasant is a large pheasant endemic to China. They live in high and cold forests 2,700-3,500 meters above sea level. The species is also nicknamed the "horned chicken," because its white auriculars pointing backwards resemble a pair of pointed horns. Bathing in the sun, its feathers manifest a metallic luster as if it were wearing a velvet cloak.

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(All photos via China Media Group)