BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 117 



exactly paralleled in the domestication of the Duck, as 

 we shall presently see. 



Thirdly, dm'ing recent years, a number of other 

 species of Pheasants have been introduced from the East. 

 Some of them produce quite fertile hybrids with the 

 original birds, and the result is that it is very doubtful 

 if a pure-bred Phasianus colchicus is to be found in the 

 length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Chief 

 among the later - introduced species is the Chinese P. 

 torqiiatiis, which is responsible for the white collar now 

 found on almost all our Pheasants. A more nearly pure- 

 bred bird, however, is portrayed in the accompanying 

 plate. 



The Pheasant is widely distributed in the British Isles. 

 It is a woodland species, roosting on trees, but nesting 

 on the ground in thick coverts. Leaves are the chief 

 material used for the slight nest. The light olive-brown 

 eggs number from ten or so upwards. Two or more hens 

 often lay and incubate amicably together. Joint nests 

 also occur with a Partridge or even a Teal ! Incubation 

 lasts twenty-three to twenty-four days, and the active 

 chicks are buff-coloured, with a few broad, dark, longi- 

 tudinal stripes on head, neck, and back. Immature birds 

 resemble the hen. 



The Pheasant family also includes some truly British 

 representatives, presently to be discussed. Among readily 

 noticeable differences from the Grouse family are the 

 imfeathered legs and feet. Spurs are present in some 

 species. 



