The seven-colored pheasant, also known as the blue pheasant or the ring-necked pheasant, is a beautiful and rare bird species native to China. They are popular for their vibrant plumage with a variety of colors, along with their distinctive long-distance calls.
Distinguishing Features:
- Size: They measure 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) in body length, with a tail length of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in).
- Coloration: There are three main types of seven-colored pheasants:
- Blue seven-colored pheasants: Males have iridescent blue-green plumage with a golden crest on the head. Females have brownish-gray feathers and shorter tails than males.
- Yellow seven-colored pheasants: Males have yellow feathers on the crown, chest, and belly. Females have brownish-yellow feathers.
- Red seven-colored pheasants: Males have bright red plumage with a blue head. Females have brownish-red feathers.
- Diet: Seven-colored pheasants are omnivores, feeding on seeds, fruits, insects, worms, etc.
- Reproduction: Seven-colored pheasants lay 8 to 12 eggs per clutch. Males participate in incubation and chick care.
Significance:
- Ornamental birds: Seven-colored pheasants are prized for their stunning beauty and loud calls. They are often kept as ornamental birds in gardens, parks, tourist attractions, etc.
- Food: Seven-colored pheasant meat is highly nutritious, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, due to their limited numbers in the wild, hunting them for meat is not encouraged.
- Medicine: Some parts of seven-colored pheasants are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments.
Raising Seven-colored Pheasants:
- Housing: The aviary should be spacious, well-ventilated, have adequate lighting, and be regularly cleaned.
- Diet: Provide a balanced diet for seven-colored pheasants, including seeds, fruits, insects, worms, etc.
- Reproduction: To encourage successful breeding, provide seven-colored pheasants with a suitable habitat and a nutritious diet.
Notes:
- Seven-colored pheasants are wild birds and should be kept in captivity under safe conditions that do not harm the surrounding environment.
- A permit is required to keep seven-colored pheasants.
Seven-colored pheasants are beautiful and rare birds. Raising them not only brings aesthetic value but can also contribute to the conservation of this precious species.