Pheasant, << FEHZ uhnt, >> is the name of several species of medium-to-large birds that resemble peacocks and jungle fowls. Most pheasants are native to China and countries of Central and Southeast Asia. But some species have been brought to other parts of the world, where they have been released for hunting. People hunt pheasants for sport and for their tasty meat. Pheasants are also sought for their feathers.
Appearance and habits.
Most pheasants have a long tail and a short, stout bill. Some have flaps of red skin on their heads forming combs or wattles. Males are called cocks. Nearly all cocks have beautiful patterns of brightly colored feathers. Females, called hens, have duller feathers of brown and tan with black markings.
Common pheasant
Most pheasants inhabit woodlands, but some species prefer cultivated fields. Others live in grasslands high in the Himalaya. Most pheasants do not undertake long migrations, but many make short seasonal journeys in search of food. Pheasants eat seeds, fruits, roots, greens, flowers, and insects and other small animals without backbones. Pheasants spend most of their time on the ground, although many species perch in trees at night. They can fly only for short distances, but may reach speeds of 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour.
In spring, pheasant cocks fight for possession of a mating area. They then attract hens by showing off their elegant feathers. The cocks accompany such elaborate displays with cackles, crows, screams, and whistles. The calls of the hens are limited mostly to clucks and peeps. A cock’s territory usually includes several hens, with which he mates. Nearly all pheasants nest on the ground. The hen builds a nest of twigs and leaves in a secluded spot. But sometimes pheasants use a nest left in a tree. Hens lay from 2 to 15 eggs. Their eggs are plain or speckled and may be white, tan, or olive.
Kinds of pheasants.
There are about 35 species of pheasants. One familiar species, the common pheasant or ring-necked pheasant, was found originally in central Asia. The Romans spread these birds to Europe about 2,000 years ago. Common pheasants were brought to North America in the 1800’s, and they soon became a familiar game bird. Male birds grow to a length of 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 centimeters), including the tail. Their head and neck are covered with shiny greenish-blue feathers and their body is brown, black, and white. Many cocks have a white band around their neck. Red skin encircles their eyes. The hens are mottled brown. They grow to a length of 21 to 25 inches (53 to 64 centimeters).
Lady Amherst's pheasant
Another well-known species, the golden pheasant, adapts well to captivity and is a favorite in zoos. The male has a golden-yellow head and brilliant red breast. Golden pheasants come from the mountain forests of Tibet and central China, where they are now rare.
The large Reeves pheasant lives in small groups in the mountains of China. As part of its courtship dance, the cock ruffles its shimmering golden feathers and leaps repeatedly high into the air. During flight, it may use its long tail as a rudder or a brake.
