Phasianus versicolor
The Green Pheasant, *Phasianus versicolor*, is a strikingly beautiful and culturally significant gamebird endemic to Japan, where it holds the esteemed title of the national bird. Males are instantly recognizable by their iridescent, metallic green body plumage, contrasting purplish-blue head, and distinctive red facial wattles, lacking the prominent white neck ring often found on their close relative, the Common Pheasant. They measure an impressive 75-90 cm in length, with their magnificent ...
This adaptable species thrives in open woodlands, forest edges, scrublands, grasslands, and cultivated fields, preferring areas with dense undergrowth for cover. It typically inhabits low to moderate elevations across its range.
An omnivorous ground-forager, the Green Pheasant's diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, berries, roots, leaves, and a variety of insects, worms, and small invertebrates.
Green Pheasants are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and roosting in trees at night for safety. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, establishing and vigorously defending their home ranges with aggressive vocalizations and displays. Courtship invol...
The Green Pheasant is endemic to Japan, natively inhabiting the main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and several smaller islands. Within this native range, it is a resident species, with populations thriving across various landscapes from coastal lowlands to hilly, forested interiors, typical...
Least Concern
- The Green Pheasant is the national bird of Japan, known as 'Kiji' (キジ) in Japanese. - Unlike most subspecies of the Common Pheasant, the male Green Pheasant typically lacks a prominent white neck ring, making its all-green body plumage unique. - Its scientific name, *Phasianus versicolor*, dire...