Common Pheasant
Class: Birds
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Weight: 1.5–2 kg (males), 1–1.2 kg (females)
Height: 50–70 cm, wingspan: 70–90 cm
Coloration: Male common pheasants have bright, multicolored plumage with golden, green, blue, and red hues on their chest, back, and tail. Females have more modest coloring—brownish-gray, which helps them blend into their surroundings during egg incubation. A distinctive feature of males is their long, vividly colored tail.
Age of Sexual Maturity: 1 year
Nesting Period: 23–28 days
Lifespan: Up to 5–7 years in the wild, up to 10 years in captivity
Habitat Range: The common pheasant can be found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is increasingly bred and used for hunting in countries with temperate climates. These birds prefer open meadows, fields, as well as areas with shrubs and forest edges.
Diet: Pheasants are omnivorous birds. They feed on seeds, berries, small plants, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Sometimes they may scavenge. In search of food, pheasants often climb small heights to access fruits or seeds from shrubs.
Did You Know?
- Common pheasants are among the most striking and decorative members of the pheasant family, making them popular for hunting and breeding.
- Male pheasants perform complex and spectacular courtship displays, including spreading their tails and vividly showcasing their plumage to attract females.
- Despite their striking appearance, pheasants are excellent fliers and can take off quickly when threatened.
- The common pheasant has become a symbol of hunting in several countries and is often seen as a representation of abundance and the beauty of nature in many cultures.