CHAPTER XVI 



The Silver Pheasant [Enp/ocaimis Nyctkemerus) 



The Silver Pheasant belongs to the genus Nycthemerus, and 

 like that of the Golden, Amherst and certain other birds, 

 does not belong to the Pheasants proper, although it is 

 customary to regard it as a species of Pheasant. Its handsome 

 appearance renders it a desirable acquisition to the aviary, 

 provided it can be kept apart from the other inmates, 

 because its pugnacious proclivities prevent it from being 

 suitable to associate with other members of the aviary. 



It is sometimes spoken of as the Silver Kalage Pheasant, 

 the White Chinese Pheasant, the White Fowl, Silver Fowl, 

 etc. This bird was referred to by Albin in 1738, and by 

 Edwards in 1751, being spoken of by Linnaeus under the 

 technical term of Phasiamis Nycthemerus. It is indigenous 

 to the mountain ranges of Southern China, Fo-kien and 

 Che-kang, but being a very hardy species, there is not the 

 slightest trouble experienced in rearing the Silver Pheasant 

 in confinement ; consequendy it is very common in British 

 aviaries. It is only in exceptional instances that these birds 

 are found in British coverts, into which it is a most undesirable 

 acquisition, as it not only drives the other birds out of the 

 preserves, but its manner of flight is so low that it is 

 practically useless for sporting purposes. 



The Silver Pheasant is easily tamed, but during the 

 mating season it develops vicious qualities not only towards 

 other birds but also towards human beings, which it is liable 



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