Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

Description:

Male is unmistakable, a large (about 80 cm in length) reddish-brown bird with long tail barred black, black head with bright red bare head sides. Female smaller, drub in colour.

Habitat:

Seen on archipelago of Embiez (mediterranean environment, French Riviera), in vineyards and farmed lands bordering some marshy lands.

Notes:

The bird was introduced to Europe, probably as a gamebird, from Asia and Caucasus. absence of the white neck ring in male signifies the nominate 'colchicus' group originating from SW Asia. The 'torquatus' group, sporting the said narrow white collar, as seen here http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/163... is more common.