Female © Oliver Pechenik
Female © Ray Wise
Male © Ray Wise
Male © Tomohiro Iuchi

Green Pheasant Phasianus versicolor

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Endemic to Japan and the national bird. The male is striking with bottle-green underparts, purplish-blue neck and head with red facial skin. Upperparts are intricately patterned brown and powder-gray with a long, pointed tail. Females are entirely brown with spotted and scalloped pattern. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Female could be confused with female copper pheasant although that species is more tied to forest. Male gives a far-carrying “ko-kyok!” followed by a noisy wing flutter. Flushes loudly with an explosion of wings and hoarse calls.

POWERED BY MERLIN