Common Pheasant

Characteristics

A beautiful bird with a red head, dark blue throat and green belly. The wings and tail are brown and light green. These colors are males, while females have a dull brown color overall. It is characterized by a cry called "Kane Kaen".

It is a bird that has been popular in Japan since ancient times and is designated as the national bird. It is also a game bird and is released every year. Released pheasants have ankle rings.

Inhabits open areas such as forests, riverbeds, and farmlands. They eat plants such as grass seeds and insects. Not a loud "Kane" from time to time to indicate territory. It is also known for its 'horochi' (beating the mother's robe), in which it flaps its wings against its body and makes a wing sound.

During the breeding season, they mainly act in pairs, and the female takes care of the young. Sometimes they become polygamous.It usually moves on foot, and runs away when it senses danger.

Habitat

I found it in the open riverbed of Asakawa. It's a relatively conspicuous bird, so you can spot it while riding a bicycle. It searched for food while walking on the ground, and sometimes squealed loudly. The males didn't seem to cover their territory, and they were evenly spaced along the river. They did not immediately run away even when they approached within 10m, but they fled into the bushes when they noticed people.