The following is a Impeyan Pheasant. Enjoy the pictures, because there is a good chance that these birds may not be around. All the pheasants shown were born and raised in captivity. Unfortunately, only so many generations can be raised in captivity before inbreeding and non-natural environments result in sick birds. Previously, wild stocks were introduced to maintain captive health. But now the asian bird flu has halted all new imports. This is a Golden Pheasant The cape can swivel around the head making the head appear as a Japanese fan with the bird's eye at the swivel. Only the ladies get this display. These are easy to breed pheasants and are common at zoos. This is a Lady Amherst Different color scheme, but just like the Golden otherwise. In fact here is an unexpected cross Lady Amherst with Golden Breast (stop laughing) This is a Temminick Tregopan. It has a hidden "bib" that extends during courting that is a brilliant blue/purple (similar to the eyes). I have not seen this since they must be totally undisturbed and it takes quite a while to deploy. This is a similar Saytr Tregopan. Closely note the crooked foot. This is one of the first signs of inbreeding and makes it clear that new blood is needed. This is a Young Gray Peacock. I'm waiting to see what it looks like full grown. And next, with the longest tail is a Reaves Pheasant running wild. The males can get pretty aggressive. The "friendliest" of the batch is the Brown Eared Pheasant. I had to get my pictures from above since he was so busy attacking my leg. Unfortunately, survival outside of captivity is an unlikely prospect. The North American Predators are quite more advanced. The worst offender (or smartest predator) is an owl. Next on the list would be hawks. After that it is the ground based foxes, minks, wolverines, etc. However, the Ringneck managed to overcome these and propagate, so who knows.
cool birds! I thought I saw a type of pheasant in the wild but couldn't tell you which one. It wasn't colourful though.
