Pheasant

From Freepedia

Pheasants
Image:Male common pheasant.jpg
Male Common Pheasant
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Galliformes
Family:Phasianidae
Genera

Ithaginis
Catreus
Rheinartia
Crossoptilon
Lophura
Argusianus
Pucrasia
Syrmaticus
Chrysolophus
Phasianus
† See also partridge, quail

Pheasants are a group of large birds in the order Galliformes. In many countries they are hunted as game.

Pheasant are characterised by strong sexual dimorphism, with 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 of pheasant in 11 different genera. The best-known is the Ringnecked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus torquatus) which is widespread throughout the world in introduced feral populations and in farm operations. Various other pheasant species are popular in aviaries, such as the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus).

Pheasants by genus and species

References

  • Beebe, William. 1918-22. A Monograph of the Pheasants. 1st edition in 4 volumes: H. F. Witherby, London. Reprint: 1990, Dover Publications.(4 volumes bound as 2). ISBN 0-48-62657-9-X and ISBN 0-48-626580-3. (This beautifully illustrated monograph by William Beebe is still considered to be the most important work on pheasants. It was updated with inclusion of some later discoveries, though with some of the technical details left out, and published as: Pheasants: Their Lives and Homes. 2 vols. 1926. Single volume edition: New York Zoological Society, 1936.)
  • Green-Armytage, Stephen. 2002. Extraordinary Pheasants.Harry N Abrams, Inc., New York. Books ISBN 0-81-091007-1.

External links



Views
Personal tools
In other languages
Similar Links