How can a year both fly by and drag on? Can we all agree that 2021 has been an interesting one? As the weeks wind down, it's time for us here at Birdorable to share a flock of new birds in quick succession. Today marks the start of our 2021 Bonanza! For the next 11 days we'll reveal a brand new Birdorable bird species each day.

And so our 13th annual Birdorable Bonanza kicks off with a critically endangered species found in Asia. Welcome the Vietnam Pheasant to the Birdorable family!

The Vietnam Pheasant is endemic to rainforest habitat in parts of Vietnam. Rare in the wild, the species is part of a cooperative breeding and reintroduction program between several different conservation organizations.

The Vietnam Pheasant joins Birdorable today as our 755th species!

Tomorrow we'll add a black and white species of duck to Birdorable. This Old World bird has a simple four-letter name. Can you guess the duck?

Our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition is starting to wind down. Today, on Christmas Eve, we reveal our second-to-last Bonanza bird: the Bulwer's Pheasant!

Bulwer's Pheasants are wildly plumaged chicken-sized birds endemic to Borneo in southeast Asia. They are found in highland tropical forest habitat, where they feed on ants, termites, seeds, and more. This species has several alternate names, including Bulwer's Wattled Pheasant, Bulwer's Fireback, and White-tailed Wattled Pheasant.

Bulwer's Pheasants exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism -- male and female plumage varies significantly. Male Bulwer's Pheasants, like our cute Birdorable version here, have an unmistakable plumage. They have long and puffy white tails. They also have amazing bright blue facial wattles which can be distended during mating rituals. Females, however, have a mostly dull brown plumage.

We've almost reached the end of our 25 day Bonanza! Tomorrow's bird is is a small owl that lives in the United States and Canada with a somewhat Christmasy name. Can you guess what it is?

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of India is the Indian Peacock, and the national bird of Panama is the Harpy Eagle. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Hanam, South Korea is the Ring-necked Pheasant (also known as the Common Pheasant). Ring-necked Pheasants today can be found almost everywhere, being a common introduced game bird. These beautiful birds are native to parts of Asia, including Korea. Their ability to adapt to a huge variety of habitats has made them extremely popular game birds, and they may be the most hunted bird on earth. At least they get the respect they deserve in Hanam!

Birdorable Ring-necked Pheasant with the emblem of Hanam

On the ninth day of Birdorable, my true love sent to me … 9 Lady Amherst's Pheasants! As we glide through our festive 12 Days of Birdorable celebration, today shines a spotlight on a breathtaking addition to our avian family—the Lady Amherst's Pheasant.

Embracing the spirit of "Nine Ladies Dancing" from the enchanting "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, we introduce the Lady Amherst's Pheasant, a bird whose stunning plumage and elegant demeanor perfectly encapsulate the grace and beauty of dancers. Native to the forests and bamboo thickets of China, this exquisite bird, named after Countess Sarah Amherst, who was instrumental in bringing the species to attention in the 19th century, is a true masterpiece of nature.

The Lady Amherst's Pheasant is distinguished by its remarkable coloration and striking patterns. Males boast a dazzling array of colors, with a white, silver, blue, and green body, complemented by a red and yellow tail that is nothing short of spectacular. Females, while more subdued in their color palette, carry a beauty all their own with their elegantly patterned brown and white feathers.

Though originally from China, the allure of the Lady Amherst's Pheasant has led to the establishment of feral populations in various parts of the world, where they continue to captivate bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 

Let the elegance and splendor of the Lady Amherst's Pheasant be a source of joy and wonder this holiday season. This is the ninth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Eight Milky Storks
• Seven Swans-a-swimming
• Six Geese-a-laying
• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree