Pheasants and partridges which are plump in shape and rather like chicken, belong to the family phasianidae under the Order Galliformes. Both include some of the most beautiful birds in the world. They are sometimes characterised by their wattled head (Junglefowls and Firebacks) long tails (Argus and Peafowls) or their beautiful and brilliant colours (Peacocks) and elaborate courtship displays of the male.

There are 49 species of pheasants and 141 species of partridges are found in Malaysia. All these species are protected under Wildlife Act. The variety in domestic poultry was derived from the red jungle fowls.  Malaysian pheasants are found in rainforest areas, ranging from lowland to mountains, some of which are endemic to Malaysia. Mountain Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum) in Peninsular Malaysia and Bulwer's Pheasant (Lophura bulweri) in Sabah and Sarawak.

Most pheasants and partridges are forest dwellers, preferring to find food and build nests under bushes or fallen trees and roost at night on tree branches. They feed on insects, berries, seeds, young shoots, grubs etc. solely on forest floors. They often spend most of their time on the ground. They are not good fliers and do not migrate. They prefer to run or hide from danger only taking to air at the last moment.

Most male pheasants have their own dancing ground where they display and call to attract the females, especially the Argus, Peafowls and Peacocks. The males will keep the areas clean from vegetation and litter and will also guard them against intruders. During the breeding season, the male will display to the maximum their many ocelli (tail feather's eye) to attract females. This normally occurs after the rainy season. In captivity however breeding normally starts at the end of the year and continues until August or September. The females now have to find their own nesting sites. Incubation and caring for the chicks is carried out solely by the females.