Latin name

Phasianus colchicus

A large, long-tailed gamebird. Males have rich chestnut, golden-brown and black markings on body and tail, with a dark green head and red face wattling. Females are mottled with paler brown and black. They were introduced to the UK long ago and more recent introductions have brought in a variety of races and breeds for sport shooting.

Where to see them

Across most of the UK, apart from the far north and west of Scotland. Least common in upland and urban. Usually seen in the open countryside near woodland edges, copses and hedgerows.

© 2007 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SCO 37654