Ring Neck Pheasant

Ring-neck Pheasant

 Phasianus colchicus

Photographed at Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Canada   Sep 2011

The Ring-necked Pheasant introduced into North America from Asia, has established over much of the continent, especially in agricultural lands. It is a distinctive and colourful species and is a popular game bird.

In very bad weather, pheasants have been known to stay on a roost for several days without eating. These birds are most comfortable on the ground, where they forage for grains, seeds, berries, insects, and, occasionally, small animals. They can fly and launch themselves airborne with an abrupt, noisy takeoff, but typically run from trouble. Pheasant flights are merely short-distance dashes for cover.


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