Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
The pheasant originally comes from Asia and was brought to Europe in antiquity; in many places today’s populations are supported by releases for hunting. The colourful male with red facial wattles and long tail contrasts strongly with the plain, well-camouflaged brown female.
- Group
- Gamebirds
- Photos
- 10
- Taken
- 2026
Profile: Common Pheasant
- Family
- Pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)
- Size
- Male approx. 70–90 cm (incl. tail), female approx. 55–70 cm
- Wingspan
- approx. 56–86 cm
- Weight
- approx. 1.4–1.5 kg
- Habitat
- Open farmland with hedgerows, copses, fallow land and reedbeds for cover.
- Diet
- Mainly plant matter: seeds, grain, berries, shoots and leaves, plus insects and other invertebrates, occasionally small mammals or frogs.
- When to see
- Resident and seen all year; during the spring breeding season males mark their territory with a loud, two-syllable call.
Learn more: Wikipedia · NABU (German)