Phasianus colchicus - Common Pheasant
Feather characters. Barbules are extremely long (2.1-4.6 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Both vase- and ring-shaped nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (14-19 per mm). Ring shaped nodes are present on basal- and middle- section of basal barbules. Some nodes become detached and form groups. These multiple nodes may be hard to find. Towards distal part, nodes abruptly become vase shaped. Nodes gradually decrease in size towards distal end. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum.
Field characters. Size 53-89 cm. Weight: male 1317 g ( -1861), female 953 g ( -1453) (Dunning, 1993). Small-headed game-bird with long tail (length varies considerably). Male with metallic green head and neck and similarly coloured tuft behind eyes, copper-coloured, iridescent upperparts, and rusty brown tail; crescentic markings on breast and flanks, and black bars on tail; usually with white neck ring. Wings paler than body; centre of belly and vent black. Male with bare red area around eye and red wattle below eye. Plumage variable due to introduction of several races. Female is pale brown with black markings above and on flanks; tail shorter; tail bars double, black and chestnut. Juvenile like adult female but duller and with tail still shorter.
Voice. Male produces a loud, sharp di-syllabic crow "korrk-korrk".
Distribution. Introduced into Europe from Caucasus area and China; numbers fluctuate as a result of hunting pressure. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Wooded valleys, thickets, cultivated fields, parkland, woodlands, or swampy reedbeds.
Food. Omnivorous feeder, taking grain, seeds, berries, green shoots, roots, arthropods, and molluscs. Obtains food by scratching or digging with legs and beak.