PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



arranged obliquely, each one being fairly broad, but less 

 distinct on the surface of the under wing. 



There are a pair of central, laterally compressed, very 

 long tail feathers, pure white, and on either side of these, 

 seven other tail feathers, each with pencilling corresponding 

 to that of the feathers on the back. 



The feathers of the breast, sides, thighs and under part 

 of the body are blackish-purple, emitting a purple reflection. 

 Legs and feet, red, with a sharply pointed spur, about an 

 inch in length. 



Length of the shank ( Tibio- Tarsus) is a trifle over 3 inches, 

 thickness \\ inches. The total length of the bird about 36 

 inches; length of tail about 20 inches; girth, 15 inches, as 

 measured beneath wings, but outside wings, 18 inches. 



In general build the female is distinctly massive and 

 altogether bigger than Colchictis. There are sixteen tail 

 feathers, there being four central dark-brown ones of about 

 equal length, and on either side six feathers, with blackish- 

 brown markings, the brown colour predominating. 



The quills are chocolate brown, with the primaries and 

 secondaries a light buffy brown, corresponding to that of the 

 general body colour, which is much lighter on the breast, sides 

 and thio'hs, but each feather is studded over with minute 

 brownish-black spots, corresponding to those of the male, 

 though the markings are disguised by the prevailing brown 

 colour. 



The throat is of a lighter brown. The legs are red, and 

 the spurs very rudimentary. Length from tip of tail to point 

 of beak, 26 inches; girth outside the wings, 16^ inches; 

 girth inside wings, 13 inches; girth round thighs, i,\ inches; 

 length of central tail feathers, 10 inches. 



The crest is of a much deeper brown, and only about half 

 the length of that of the male bird. 



96 



