Popular Pheasant Breeds in the UK: Varieties and Care Guide

Pheasants are resilient birds that add beauty and interest to any aviary or outdoor space. Numerous species have been imported and adapted to thrive in the UK, offering a rich variety for bird lovers and breeders. Before choosing your first breeding pair or trio, it’s essential to consider factors such as space availability, noise tolerance, and dietary needs to ensure responsible husbandry.

This guide explores ten of the most popular pheasant breeds kept in the UK, highlighting their distinct characteristics and care requirements.

Common Pheasant

The Common Pheasant is the most frequently seen species across the UK, often encountered in the wild and commonly used as a game bird. Males display golden brown plumage with striking blue-black necks and tend to run swiftly on the ground when startled rather than flying. As aviary inhabitants, they require secure enclosures since wild birds may intrude during mating season, leading to potential escapes by captive birds. Their diet includes grains, insects, and occasionally small mammals and birds, signalling their adaptability in foraging.

Golden Pheasant

The male Golden Pheasant is known for its spectacular golden crest, yellow and black neck, and bright scarlet chest, very much a jewel among pheasants. Native originally to China’s forests, this hardy breed is easy to feed and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Usually kept in trios of one cock and two hens, Golden Pheasants are prolific breeders, laying between 5 and 11 eggs per clutch.

Himalayan Monal Pheasant

The Himalayan Monal, often likened to a peacock in its beauty, has a shimmering metallic green head, red metallic neck, and blue metallic wings, displaying dazzling iridescent colours. This species requires a roomy enclosure with ground suitable for digging, as it uses its large curved beak to forage for roots and grubs. Adapted to colder climates, it needs cool shelter during summer. Known for its friendly nature, it suits owners looking for a more interactive and visually stunning pheasant.

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Named after Sarah Countess Amherst, who first brought these birds to England, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant originates from China and shares a lineage with the Golden Pheasant. It is hardy and easy to keep, ideal for novice breeders. These birds forage on the ground for grains and insects but prefer to roost in trees. Males showcase a striking plumage featuring black and white necks, metallic green hues, long tail feathers, and a bright red crest, while females are mottled brown for natural camouflage.

Mikado Pheasant

The Mikado is a long-tailed species with deep black plumage that shines with an oily iridescence in the sunlight. Native to Taiwan’s forests and bamboo areas, it prefers dense shrubbery for cover and also feeds on the plants and insects found there, including snails, which can benefit gardeners by controlling pests. Mikados rarely fly far and opt to hide when threatened. Their relatively quiet nature makes them suitable for those with close neighbours.

Reeves Pheasant

Reeves Pheasants possess the longest tail feathers of any bird species, demanding a large aviary to prevent feather damage. Originating from China, their plumage is golden brown tipped with long, shimmering silver tail feathers. Notably aggressive towards humans, early socialisation from chick stage is recommended to tame them. They are undemanding in diet and relatively quiet compared to other pheasants.

Siamese Fireback Pheasant

This lively bird is perfect for owners who enjoy observing dramatic behaviour. Males display light grey plumage with a glittering iridescent golden back and both sexes have prominent red wattles near their eyes. Native to Thailand’s forests, these birds require heated shelter in UK winters and prefer elevated perches for roosting. Their diet blends berries and insects, and hens lay rosy-coloured eggs. The Siamese Fireback’s energetic courtship display is a highlight for many breeders.

Silver Pheasant

Silver Pheasants are easy to maintain and visually striking, making them popular for beginners. Males have contrasting black chests and pure white bodies, accented by red wattles. These birds nest in ground hollows on well-irrigated soil. Their diet includes grains and insects such as worms and crickets. The Silver Pheasant has been the foundation for several subspecies like the Imperial Pheasant.

Swinhoe Pheasant

Originating from Taiwan, Swinhoe Pheasants flourish in UK environments. Males feature stunning blue-black feathers with iridescent green-black wings, while the gentle chicks require protection from more dominant breeds. Unlike some pheasants, they consume less greenery, relying instead on grains and nuts. They mature slowly, reaching breeding age at two years and typically lay 4-8 eggs per clutch.

White Eared Pheasant

Named for distinctive white tufts near their ears, these birds are mainly white with long, grey-tinged tail feathers. Originally from the snowy Himalayan Mountains, they are extremely hardy and strong-beaked, adapted for digging roots and grubs. Classified as vulnerable, it is important for breeders to maintain pure bloodlines and avoid crossbreeding to conserve this species.

Responsible Pheasant Ownership

Keeping pheasants requires attention to space, safety, and diet to promote their wellbeing. Secure enclosures prevent escapes and protect from predators. Providing an appropriate diet rich in grains, insects, and supplementary nutrition supports their health and breeding success. It is vital to source pheasants from reputable breeders to ensure healthy, ethically bred birds and contribute to conservation efforts, especially for vulnerable breeds like the White Eared and Himalayan Monal.

With careful planning, pheasants can be a rewarding addition to your aviary, bringing vibrant colour and fascinating behaviour that enriches any natural setting.