A
handsome gamebird, the pheasant is an introduced species that has
settled here with little problem. It can be spotted in its farmland and
woodland habitats, although you'll probably hear the loud, croaking call
of the male before you see it.
About
A
very familiar gamebird, the pheasant is large and colourful, and has a
long tail. Common in farmland and woodland throughout the UK, the males'
loud, sharp, croaking call can be heard resonating through the
countryside before the bird is actually seen. Pheasants eat seeds,
berries, leaves and insects; they roost in trees and can form flocks in
winter. During the breeding season, one male may mate with many females,
who then raise the chicks alone.How to identify
Male
pheasants have striking bronze plumage, a red face and wattle, a green
neck with a white ring around it and a long tail. Females are sandy
brown, with an intricate pattern of black spots and bars. Pheasants are
larger than partridges and have longer tails.Distribution
Widespread and found almost everywhere.Did you know?
Pheasants are native to Asia,
but were introduced into much of Europe by the Romans, possibly
arriving in the UK with the Normans in the 11th century. Largely
forgotten and locally extinct up until the 19th century, they became a
popular gamebird once again and are extensively reared by gamekeepers.
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