| Pheasant Phasianus colchicus | ||||
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The Pheasant was distributed from the Black Sea across Asia and into China but it has been introduced into many countries beyond its natural range. It was probably introduced into Italy by the Romans and into Britain in the 11th or 12th century. It is both attractive and tasty and is a major game bird in many countries. |
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The
birds introduced from China are of the sub-species Phasianus
colchicus torquatus and have a white neck collar and grey
rump. The nominate sub-species P. c. colchicus has a brown
rump and no white collar. Both are present in Britain but many
birds are hybrids.
The male, seen in photos 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 is unmistakable while the female in photos 2 and 5 is buff-brown with dark spots and a long tail. |
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The two males in photos 6 and 7 were having a territorial dispute which involved some fighting with their spurs. | |||
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