Convervation status: Introduced

1 video

Latin name

Phasianus colchicus

Family

Partridges, quails, pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)

Overview

A large, long-tailed gamebird. Males have rich chestnut, golden-brown and black markings on body and tail, with a dark green head and red face wattling. Females are mottled with paler brown and black. They were introduced to the UK long ago and more recent introductions have brought in a variety of races and breeds for sport shooting.

Where to see them

Across most of the UK, apart from the far north and west of Scotland. Least common in upland and urban. Usually seen in the open countryside near woodland edges, copses and hedgerows.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Seeds, grain and shoots.

Estimated numbers

* 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

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

Sound: Matthias Feuersenger, Xeno-canto

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Pheasant male

Pheasant female

Similar birds

Golden pheasant

Lady Amherst's pheasant