Volume 5, Plate X / Ornithology (Birds)

Fork-Tailed Cock

Gallus furcatus

Nearly two feet long, this curious cock of Java has bare cheeks, an entire comb, and a single central wattle, all bright red, with the short rounded head and neck feathers deep metallic blue shading to golden-green and edged with black. The lengthened back feathers are black bordered with yellow or orange-red, the underparts black and the forked tail metallic green; wary and quick to run, it crosses with tame hens.