Introduced species

Latin name

Chrysolophus pictus

Family

Partridges, quails, pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)

Overview

Smaller than a pheasant, the male is very brightly coloured with a yellow crown and lower back, dark wings and upper neck, red underparts and long finely barred tail. female is paler brown than a female pheasant. It is a shy bird, keeping to dark, dense woodland. Roosts in trees at night.

Where to see them

Confined to areas on introduction in England, Scotland and Wales. Found in forestry plantations and dense woodland.

When to see them

All year round - best looked for early in the morning when it may be seen in clearings.

What they eat

Leaves and buds

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-85-118 pairs--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

2 illustrations

Illustrations
Golden pheasant male

Male

Similar birds

Pheasant male (artwork)

Pheasant