Phasianus colchicus
The Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a striking, long-tailed gamebird renowned for its vibrant plumage and widespread distribution as an introduced species. Males are conspicuously ornate, typically measuring 60-90 cm (24-35 in) in length, including their exceptionally long, barred tail feathers which can be up to 50 cm (20 in) long, and weighing 0.8-1.5 kg (1.8-3.3 lbs). Their head is often iridescent green or purplish-blue, adorned with prominent red facial wattles and sometimes sma...
Common Pheasants thrive in diverse open country habitats, favoring a mosaic of farmland, grasslands, scrubland, and light woodlands, particularly near water sources. They are typically found in lowland and moderate elevation areas, avoiding dense forests or high mountains.
The Common Pheasant is an omnivorous opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming seeds, grains, berries, and shoots, supplemented heavily with insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates. They forage by scratching on the ground and pecking at visible food items.
Primarily a ground-dwelling bird, the Common Pheasant exhibits diurnal activity, foraging throughout the day and roosting in trees or dense cover at night. Foraging involves scratching at the ground with their strong feet and pecking for food. Males are fiercely territorial during the breeding se...
The Common Pheasant's native range extends across a vast swathe of Asia, from the Caucasus Mountains in the west, through Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, across China, Korea, and into Japan. However, its global distribution has been dramatically expanded through extensive introductions. ...
Least Concern
- The Common Pheasant is not native to North America or Europe; its ancestral range spans from the Caucasus to Japan. - There are over 30 recognized subspecies of Common Pheasant, leading to significant variations in male plumage, especially head and neck coloration. - Male pheasants can fly at s...