Polyplectrum (lapsus) The peacock-pheasants are a bird genus, Polyplectron, of the family Phasianidae, consisting of eight species.

When threatened, peacock-pheasants will alter their shapes using specialised plumage that when expanded reveals numerous iridescent orbs.

The species of Polyplectron diverged at some time between, roughly, the Early Pliocene and the Middle Pleistocene, or 5–1 million years ago.

The two montane-adapted species P. chalcurum and P. inopinatum are not derived from a single isolation event, and appear to have acquired more subdued coloration independently.

[7] It is considered of utmost importance to have the Hainan peacock-pheasant recognized as a full species due to its endangered status.