Phasianus colchicus, Pheasant

Common Name: Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus, more commonly known as the Pheasant, are large, long-tailed gamebirds. The males have rich chestnut, golden-brown and black markings on their bodies and tails, with a dark green head and red face wattling. Females are mottled with paler brown and black.

They were introduced to the UK long ago and more recent introductions have brought in a variety of races and breeds for sport shooting. Common and widespread in most of Britain, apart from the far north and west of Scotland. Least common in upland and urban. Usually seen in the open countryside near woodland edges, copses and hedgerows.

Pheasants feed solely on the ground but roost in sheltered trees at night. They eat a wide variety of animal and vegetable type-food, like fruit, seeds and leaves as well as a wide range of invertebrates.

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