Pheasant bird: description and how it looks, famous species and breeds

Pheasant is a bird from order Galliformes. Feathered since the 13th century used for breeding in the household. The popularity of pheasants is facilitated by the fact that this bird has dietary meat. In the natural environment, adults are shy. However, after domestication, the bird demonstrates a friendly disposition and the ability to train. Pheasants are not demanding to care for and are frost-resistant.

General description of the bird

Representatives of the pheasant breed are distinguished by the following characteristics:

• body length - 90 centimeters or more (half falls on the tail);
• pointed plumage on the tail and rounded - on the wings;
• no plumage around the eyes;
• Adult weight exceeds two kilograms;
• capable of enduring cold;
• does not tolerate heat and high humidity.

Pheasants are distinguished by various shades of plumage: from white to dark brown and black. In its natural environment, the bird settles in areas with tall grass and shrubs.

Outwardly, the pheasant looks like a large chicken with bright plumage and pronounced folds on the face, which turn red during the mating season. Males become aggressive during nesting, often attacking other birds. Contractions during this period often end in the death of birds.

The plumage color of females is less bright than that of males. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by the presence of spurs on the legs, the shape of which depends on the type of bird.

How are females different from males?

Due to the fact that wild birds constantly have to avoid predators, females of these birds are predominantly smaller than males and have less colorful plumage. However, such sexual polymorphism is characteristic of the common pheasant. In different breeds, this feature is not always so pronounced.

In some species, the females look almost the same as the males. Differences appear in details such as the presence and absence of a growth on the beak, less pronounced spurs and in other things.

Species of pheasants

Researchers identify over 10 breeds and subspecies of pheasants. Most of these birds can be domesticated. Representatives of the diamond rock are distinguished by the following features:

• bright appearance (white feathers on belly, green feathers on back, red comb on head);
• puberty occurs 6 months after birth;
• suitable for private breeding;
• A female can lay up to 30 eggs at a time.

The disadvantages of this variety include:

• light weight (up to 1.1 kilograms);
• excessive care requirements.

In Russia, common pheasants are more often kept in households, as these birds differ in the following characteristics:

• weight of an adult - up to two kilograms;
• during the year, the female lays up to 50 eggs;
• puberty occurs after 5 months.

When breeding this breed, the following disadvantages should be considered:

• aggressive behavior during nesting season;
• each male needs one female;
• The house must be protected from drafts.

Hunting breeds are in high demand among breeders. This species is characterized by a varied plumage (from pure white to black) and the following features:

• for three months the female lays up to 60 eggs;
• the weight of an adult male reaches two kilograms;
• strong lower limbs;
• gain weight quickly with proper feeding;
• good he alth and high fertility, which is why the breed is used for breeding.

Male hunting pheasants can live simultaneously with 3-6 females. At the same time, representatives of this breed:

• aggressive towards relatives;
• actively consume food.

Eared pheasants are often kept in households as this variety is:

• strong immunity to common diseases;
• reaches a mass of 2.1 kilograms;
• frost resistant;
• hardy.

However, this bird:

• does not tolerate moisture, so the house needs drainage;
• consumes compound feed in captivity.

Breeders identify 3 subspecies of eared pheasants, which differ mainly in appearance. The white variety stands out from the rest in that the females do not incubate the eggs.

Royal pheasants are also preferred for meat. This breed is distinguished by the following features:

• tender and tasty meat;
• frost resistance;
• strong immunity.

When breeding this bird, consider the following:

• poultry needs perches;
• weight of an adult male does not exceed 1.3 kilograms;
• enclosures should be dry;
• the nature of the bird is shy.

Less than green pheasants are bred in Russia. Such birds are kept in Japan. But, despite this, this breed has the same characteristics as described above.

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