A rare breed of pheasant that was believed to be extinct in the wild has been unexpectedly spotted wandering around a residential garden.
The Lady Amherst’s pheasant was introduced to England from China in the 19th century, and there have been no reported sightings of this bird since 2019.
Lady Amherst’s pheasant.
However, 23-year-old student Sophie Pearson was astonished when she saw this magnificent bird passing by her window in St Andrews, Fife.
Adult male Lady Amherst’s pheasants measure 100-120 cm in length, with their tails accounting for 80 cm of their total body length. Females are slightly smaller than males.
They have a striking plumage of white mixed with black and a red crest. The tails of this species are gray with two red feather tufts. Males are more colorful than females, whose feathers are primarily light brown spotted. The legs of Lady Amherst’s pheasants are gray.
The diet of Lady Amherst’s pheasants includes various grains, vegetables, grasses, and invertebrates. This bird is not a strong flyer, but it can fly relatively far when startled. Males often use their vibrant plumage and calls to attract mates.
Currently, Lady Amherst’s pheasant is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
