Pheasant  (Phasianus colchicus)

Pheasant shooting became popular in the 17th and 18th Centuries; large numbers of captive-reared birds are released each summer to supply this activity and supplement the population (4). The pheasant is now widely distributed throughout Britain, but is absent from the West Highlands and the islands of Scotland, and from some areas of the uplands in England and Wales (5). It is known throughout western Europe, central Asia, China, Korea and southeastern Siberia, and has been introduced to many other areas (6).

Typically prefers wooded agricultural lowland (5), but may also occur in gardens, parks and marshes, their preferred habitats in Asia (4).