The Hainan Hill-partridge Arborophila ardens is endemic to the island of Hainan, which lies off the south coast of China. Distinct subspecies of the Silver Pheasant Lophura nyethemera xvhiteheadi and Grey Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum katsumatae are also endemic to the island. All three taxa are considered endangered and are very poorly known in the wild. Surveys of remaining patches of forest were undertaken between 1987 and 1994 during which local people were interviewed and some forest areas were visited. The hill-partridge was confirmed from three blocks of forest and reported from a further four. The Silver Pheasant was found in six areas of forest and probably occurs in all remaining patches of well-developed secondary and primary forest. The Grey Peacock-pheasant was recorded in five forests and reported from a further four. The hill-partridge was more restricted in its habitat use than the other two species, the latter using well-developed secondary forest in addition to primary forests. Provisional density estimates made at Ba Wang Ling National Nature Reserve were 6–8 Hainan Hill-partridges/km2, 7.5 Silver Pheasants/km2 and 3.75 Grey Peacock-pheasants/km2.