The Great Argus (Argusianus argus) is a large, spectacular species of pheasant found in the Sunda region of South-east Asia. As a result of hunting pressure and habitat destruction, Great Argus populations are in decline and the species is currently considered ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN.

Male Great Argus pheasants have two main call types:

1) the distinctive loud, resonant “kow-wow” song which is often repeated (up to around 12 times). This song type is frequently given from the display ground or from a nocturnal roost.

2) a long series of single-note “wow” calls which usually start as descending notes and switch to upslurred notes of higher pitch toward the end of the series. This second call type is also made by the female Great Argus.

Another call type which has been documented is a loud sharp ‘owk’ (I haven’t yet confirmed whether this call is a male or female call, or both). Samples of these calls are published below.