The Malayan crested argus (Rheinardia nigrescens) is a large and spectacular peafowl-like species of bird in the pheasant family with 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.

A shy and elusive bird, the Malayan crested argus is found in submontane primary forests of 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.

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