Pheasants
are a group of large birds from the order Galliformes.
In some countries they are hunted as game. They are characterised
by strong sexual dimorphism, with the males being highly
ornate with bright colours and adornments such as wattles
and long tails. They are usually larger than the females.
Males play no part in rearing the young. There are 35
species in 11 different genera. The most common is the
Ringnecked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus torquatus) which
is widespread throughout the world in the wild and in
farm operations. Various other species are popular hobby
animals such as the Golden Pheasant (C. pictus). |
