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Description of the species
The common pheasant, or ring-necked/“hunting” pheasant (lat. Phasianus colchicus), is a bird of the subfamily Phasianinae in the family Phasianidae. Its native range is in Asia, it occurs partly in Europe, and it has been introduced to other regions of the world. The species is among the domesticated birds and is a widespread target of game hunting. The common pheasant is the national bird of Georgia, a status tied to the history of the ancient Colchian kingdom.
Etymology
The name is linked to the ancient city of Phasis on the southern bank of the river Phasis (Rioni) in Pontus, founded by Milesians as a fortified trading colony. The Latin species name colchicus refers to Colchis, where Phasis was located and from where, according to legend, the Argonauts brought pheasants to Greece. The modern city of Poti now stands on the site of ancient Phasis.
General characteristics
Body length is up to about 85 cm, with a mass around 1.7-2.0 kg; males are larger than females. Unlike other pheasant genera, the common pheasant has only a bare ring around the eyes. The tail is very long and wedge-shaped, consisting of 18 feathers that taper toward the tip. The wings are short and rounded, with the 4th and 5th primaries forming the tip. Males have developed leg spurs and glossy plumage.
Males are brightly colored, with considerable variation among forms. In northern subspecies the head and neck are golden-green with a black-violet sheen below. Golden-orange back feathers with black edging grade into copper-red uppertail coverts with a violet gloss. Tail feathers are yellow-brown with copper-violet margins. The bare eye ring is red. Females are dull brown to sandy gray with dark mottling and streaks.
Range
The range extends from Turkey to the Primorsky Krai and the Korean Peninsula, including the Ciscaucasus and the Volga Delta, Central Asia (Afghanistan, Mongolia), most of China, and in the southeast to northern Vietnam.
The nominative subspecies Phasianus colchicus colchicus occurs in the Caucasus, sometimes in large numbers, and has been acclimatized and semi-domesticated across much of Western and Southern Europe. Its homeland is the forested and reed-fringed river valleys of the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Other subspecies in the former USSR include P. c. persicus, P. c. principalis, P. c. chrysomelas, and others. The North Caucasian pheasant P. c. septentrionalis is listed among species requiring special attention in the wild. Locally the species has been acclimatized even in areas with stable snow cover, finding winter food near livestock farms.
Lifestyle
The common pheasant favors forests with undergrowth and shrub thickets, staying near water in riparian scrub along river valleys and lake shores. It is typical of dense woodland with climbing and thorny shrubs interspersed with small clearings, as well as shrub belts along field margins. When disturbed it rarely perches in trees, preferring to hide on the ground in grass and bushes.
Its diet includes seeds, small fruits and berries, shoots, and grain. It also takes insects, mollusks, and earthworms. In the Caucasus, sea buckthorn and blackfruit dogwood can be important foods.
Breeding
In the wild the species is generally monogamous, while in semi-domesticated settings polygamy is often observed. Nests are built on the ground. The early spring full clutch contains up to 20 eggs, typically 8-18 uniform brown eggs. Incubation lasts about 22-28 days. Only the hen incubates and leads the chicks; males do not take part in rearing.
Buy the common pheasant: ordering and shipping
You can purchase common pheasants from our farm. Delivery across Ukraine. To check availability and delivery, contact us via Viber, Telegram, or by phone 050-182-27-27.
Common questions
How does the common pheasant differ from the golden pheasant?
The common pheasant shows greater color variation among subspecies and has a long wedge-shaped tail without a distinct “ruff.” The golden pheasant is recognized by its bright golden crest and contrasting ruff.
Can several males be kept together?
Conflicts are likely in the breeding season, so it is better to house males separately or provide a larger area with visual barriers.
What is the minimum temperature for keeping them?
They tolerate cold if the litter is dry and there is wind protection. In severe frosts, an insulated shelter is needed and dampness should be avoided.
How many eggs are in a clutch and how long is incubation?
Typically 8-18, up to 20 eggs. Incubation is about 22-28 days, and only the hen broods and leads the chicks.