Crested argus  (Rheinardia ocellata)

Despite its size, the shy crested argus is not easy to observe, and little has been documented about its biology. Its distinctive loud calls indicate that the bird is usually solitary and territorial, coming together only to breed (2). This species is polygamous in the wild (9) (10), with males performing elaborate courtship rituals, calls and dances during the mating season to attract mates. Head feathers are ruffled and the crest is spread whilst the male dances in an area of the forest floor cleared of leaves (2). Assuming peaks in calling frequency occur during the breeding season. The breeding season is March to May in Laos, although breeding in captivity (northern hemisphere) falls between March and June. Females nest on the ground, in the shelter of a bush or clump of low vegetation. The female lays two eggs, which are incubated for 25 days, and chicks are fed directly by their mother for the first few days of life (9) (10). As soon as they hatch, they instinctively hide under their mother's tail feathers, which she spreads like an umbrella to provide protection from rain and the eyes of predators (10). Once able to forage for itself, the bird's diet consists of berries, grubs, insects, tree leaves, fruits and sometimes amphibians (9) (10).