Green Pheasant
Phasianus versicolor
Japan's national bird, a close relative of the Common Pheasant with males showing overall iridescent green body plumage rather than the more typical coppery tones of related species.
- Feather type
- Overall iridescent green body feathers with a long, barred pointed tail
- Colours
- Iridescent green with bronze tones and red facial wattles
- Bird size
- Large pheasant with long tail, ~58-89 cm (male, including tail)
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Overview
Overview
The Green Pheasant is endemic to Japan and serves as the country's national bird, closely related to the widespread Common Pheasant but distinguished by its overall greenish body coloration. It inhabits lowland grassland, farmland, and forest edge habitat throughout much of Japan.
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
- Body feathers (male): overall iridescent dark green with bronze and purplish highlights, differing from the more coppery-brown tones typical of the Common Pheasant
- Facial skin: bright red wattles surrounding the eye, prominent against the dark green head
- Tail feathers: long, pointed, and barred in shades of brown and black, similar in shape to other Phasianus pheasants
- Female feathers: mottled brown overall, similar to female Common Pheasant and difficult to distinguish from that species by plumage alone
- Vs. Common Pheasant: the male's overall green body tone versus the Common Pheasant's more typically coppery-bronze plumage is the primary distinguishing feature
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Males show a distinctive overall dark iridescent green body with red facial wattles and a long, barred tail, in contrast to the coppery-bronze tones typical of the related Common Pheasant. Females are mottled brown, closely resembling female Common Pheasants. Juveniles resemble females. Males undergo an annual molt, regrowing full green body plumage and tail length before the breeding season.
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Green Pheasants are endemic to Japan, occupying lowland grassland, agricultural fields, and forest edge habitat across much of the country. The species is non-migratory and resident year-round within its range.
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Males establish territories and perform a loud crowing call accompanied by wing-whirring, often from an open, elevated perch. Diet includes seeds, grain, shoots, and invertebrates foraged from open ground. Nests are shallow scrapes concealed in grass or field-edge vegetation. The species is a familiar sight in Japanese agricultural landscapes and is culturally significant as the national bird.
Frequently asked questions
How does a Green Pheasant feather differ from a Common Pheasant feather?
Male Green Pheasant body feathers show an overall dark iridescent green tone, whereas Common Pheasant males typically show more coppery-bronze coloration.
Are female feathers distinguishable between the two species?
Female Green Pheasant and female Common Pheasant feathers are both mottled brown and can be very difficult to tell apart by plumage alone.
What color is the facial skin?
Bright red wattles surround the eye, prominent against the dark green head feathers.
Where is this species found?
It is endemic to Japan, where it serves as the national bird, occupying lowland grassland and farmland habitat.
Green Pheasant guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Green Pheasant.
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