[Illustration: GOLDEN PHEASANTS]
Under the name of Phasianidae, the Pheasants form a distinct family,
which is divided into several groups of Birds and Domestic Fowls which
have similar characteristics. Not only our well known Pheasants, but the
Peacocks, Guinea Fowls, Turkeys, Currassows, Bankiva Fowl, Tragopans,
and the Argus are all grouped in this family, because they all have
short bills, wings so short that they cannot fly readily, brilliant
plumage, and tails largely developed, forming the greatest beauty of the
Bird in many instances.
The Pheasant, especially, is remarkable for the length of its tail; the
middle feathers of which in one species, known as Reeve’s Pheasant,
sometimes attain a length of seven or eight feet.
The Silver Pheasant and the Golden Pheasant are two beautiful species.
The former is clothed in a black and white costume that gives it a fine
silvery appearance. The latter is brilliantly clothed in purple and
gold, and bears a golden yellow crest on its head, with a handsome
circular collar effect; and the tail of the Golden Pheasant is very long
and showy.
There are many other species of Pheasants, distinguished by some
peculiarity of the plumage, but there is no special difference in their
habits.
In the wild state the Pheasants prefer wooded slopes or marshy plains,
and their food is composed of grains, berries, Worms, Insects, Snails,
etc. They are shy and timid in their nature, taking flight at the least
indication of danger. They make their nest on the ground in the midst of
a thicket, or in a tuft of grass, and the hen Pheasant lays from twelve
to twenty eggs, which require twenty-four days to hatch.
In some parts of the country these Birds are raised in enclosures called
pheasantries. During the first two months of existence, the young
Pheasants require the greatest care, as the tender little fellows are
subject to numerous maladies.