Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

The Pheasant is a large gamebird that is relatively common in the uk, however they are seen more in the countryside.
The males of the species have brown, and black markings all over its body and tail, and have stunning patterns amongst their feathers.
Females of the species are more duller in colour, with paler tones of brown, and black.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Pheasant.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Pheasant is not a native species to the UK, as they were introduced from Asia, however they are a species that have been around for a long time.
They are often the subjects of hunting sports, hence their title and definition of 'game birds'.

http://www.english-country-garden.com/a/i/birds/pheasant-9.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Pheasant has a very broad range across the UK, as the illustration depicts below.
I see Pheasants often roaming such landscapes as fields and woodland areas, however I am yet to take a photo of one in the wild myself.
I often hear Pheasants before I see them, as the male occasionally lets out a large 'korr kok' sound, that is very loud, and travels a distance.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/p/pheasant/ < image reference at this link.

The Pheasant's diet is very varied, and ranges from such things as seeds, insects, berries etc.
These animals are protected from hunting most of the year, however they are a protected species from February to September.

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/im-not-a-pheasant-plucker.jpeg < image reference at this link.

Personally I think that the Pheasant is a highly attractive bird, particularly more-so the males of the species, with its feathery tail, it's beautiful patterns, and crest.
This is a creature that I feel I must put somewhere in my zine.











http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/p/pheasant/
http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/pheasant.htm












Thomas.