Native to southwestern China and far northern Myanmar. The genus name is from Ancient Greek khrusolophos, “with golden crest”. Lady Amherst’s pheasant is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
 
These pheasants live in dark, dense forests with very thick undergrowth making them very difficult to spot in the wild. They roost in trees but spend their days on the ground foraging for food on the forest floor. They are high altitude birds, living at elevations of 6,000-15,000 feet. Whilst they can fly, they prefer to run, but if startled they can suddenly burst upwards at great speed, with a distinctive wing sound.
 
Females can lay up to 12 eggs per clutch, following a 22 day incubation period. The male emits a metallic call in the breeding season. Their breeding season will vary dependent on the climate but usually starts in May.
 
They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates, but roost in trees at night.