On the Game - The Pheasant

Whilst much controversy surrounds the introduction of non-native species to Britain, the pheasant proves to be the original success story. The female population is perhaps around 1.8million, but around 30 million or more are farm bred and released each year for the hunting season.

This elaborate species originated in SW Asia, was introduced by the Romans, and continues to prosper in our woodland and farmland down to this day. It also remains as the world's most common game bird.

When it comes to breeding, the males vivid plumage really comes into play. A male can have a harem of up to eighteen females, impressive, yet, when the female has settled onto the nest the male will almost ignore her. Pheasants are a ground nesting bird, this dismissive behaviour acts as a protection to both the female and its young. As you maybe aware, the female is a rather drab bird compared to her male counterpart, and without the males presence, she and her chicks can remain camouflaged so as not to attract predators such as foxes.

Out of all the British birds, were you aware that it is the fastest runner, reaching speeds of up to 21mph? Which is advantageous, since it is only able to fly a relatively short distance.

Although it is common to see Pheasants on some of the open countryside surrounding Bloxwich, I have been surprised to see them in an urban setting. A male feeding on the green on Sneyd Hall Rd, Dudley Fields and a female walking down Harrison St heading towards the High St, whose presence I haven't quiet been able to explain.

Papillion

All photographs by L. Warren