Golden Pheasant
Scientific name: Chrysolophus pictus
Golden pheasants are known for being beautiful, brightly- coloured birds. However, it is only the male of the species that have yellow crests and vivid red plumage (feathers) on their bodies. The female birds are much more understated in appearance; they have a brown face and mottled brown plumage.
Golden pheasants are very timid birds and favour dark, dense forest habitats where there are lots of places to hide. At night, they roost in tall trees. Golden pheasants spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for food. They are able to fly; however, they are not very steady in flight, which is perhaps why they prefer to stay close to the ground.
Golden pheasants were introduced to the United Kingdom over 100 years ago. There are still a small number of them here in the wild today.
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Diet
Golden pheasants are omnivores. They mostly eat berries, grain, vegetation and small invertebrates.
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Size Fact
Golden pheasants are small birds. On average they weigh between 600-700 grams.
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Food Fact
Golden pheasants enjoy eating insects and spiders.
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