R. ocellata R. nigrescens The Crested argus is a species of large peafowl-like bird in the genus Rheinardia of the pheasant family.

Crested arguses have dark-brown-spotted black and buff plumage, a heavy pink bill, brown irises and blue skin around the eyes.

The female's crest is different morphologically, with more rigid plumes that take up more surface area along the occiput and upper hind neck.

Shy and elusive, the crested argus is found in submontane primary forests of Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia in Southeast Asia.

The diet consists mainly of invertebrates, mollusks, amphibians, small reptiles, bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits and fungi.

The lower extremities of the male's wings and tail are pushed vertically into the ground leaving trails in sand and leaf litter.

Like other peafowls, the crested argus employs these and more complex display behaviors in anti-predatory encounters, especially with reptiles.

From limited anecdotal observations of local indigenous peoples, both species select nest sites in elevated reaches, often amongst escarpments on steep slopes amongst leaf litter.

Like other peafowl, crested argus retire on emergent trees above the forest canopy for many hours a day.