Thus it is sometimes called the Vermilion Bird of the South (Chinese: 南方朱雀, Nán Fāng Zhū Què).

It is described as a red bird that resembles a pheasant with a fire-colored plumage and is perpetually covered in flames.

It is known as Suzaku in Japanese, Jujak in Korean and Chu Tước in Vietnamese.

[1] The Fenghuang is a legendary ruler of birds who is associated with the Chinese Empress in the same way the dragon is associated with the Emperor, while the Vermilion Bird is a mythological spirit creature of the Chinese constellations.

As with the other three Symbols, there are seven astrological "Mansions" (positions of the Moon) within the Vermilion Bird.