Abstract: By means of microscope, we analyzed the winter feces (December-February) of Sclater’s Monal (Lophophorus sclateri) and Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) that occur sympatrically at the alpine habitat of Mt. Gaoligong. Sclater’s Monal consumed 48 plants and Blood Pheasant consumed 43 plants species, among which 27 plants occurred in both species’ diet. These mutual food plants comprised the majority of both pheasants’ diets: 80.09% and 70.69% respectively. Food diversity (H=3.21, 3.35) and food niche overlap (C_ih=0.598) in winter were higher than in the other three seasons, indicating that food competition might exist between the two species. Food partitioning was the consequence of competition, as the data showed plant species and plant parts were the two dimensions of the differentiation. That was the basis for their coexistence. Combining the diet and their foraging behaviors, we hypothesized the feeding strategies for these two pheasants. In winter, Sclater’s Monal would shift its feeding habit from plant leaves to roots due to the food deficiency, which formed its “firstchoice strategy”. But when their suitable habitat is covered by snow, this species would move to low altitude sites searching for plant leaves. This acted as its “emergency strategy”. These two strategies were used by Sclater’s Monal to deal with food deficiency in winter. However, Blood Pheasant did not change their feeding habits but would gather large populations and explore larger range size, which would supply more food resources for the whole population. This is a different strategy but is obviously good for each individual in the harsh winter.

Key words: PERSIANN, TRMM, CMORPH, seasonal variation, performance evaluation, Circum-Bohai-Sea Region