Volume 5, Plate XIII / Ornithology (Birds)

Ring-Necked Pheasant

Phasianus torquatus

Brought originally from the banks of the Phasis and now naturalized across Europe, the Ring-Necked Pheasant inhabits the forests of China, the male brilliant with azure and emerald neck, glossy purple breast, chestnut back waved with black, and a pure white neck ring. Reaching about two feet five inches, it feeds on shoots, grains, fruits, and roots, is polygamous, and is bred in England in vast numbers for the preserves.