I50 BRITISH BIRDS 



THE PHEASANT FAMILY 



is a very comprehensive one, numbering among its mem- 

 bers such diverse forms as the Quail, FrankoHns, 

 Tragopans and the Guinea Fowl, none of which, however, 

 with the exception of the first, are entitled to the distinction 

 of being called British birds. For further information see 

 Grouse (Black). 



The Common Pheasant. 



This is an introduced species, but is such an old 

 inhabitant that it is usually reckoned to be one of our 

 British birds. As it is known to every one and pretty 

 well everywhere in this country its consideration need 

 not detain us long. It is reared in great numbers for 

 the pleasure of killing it afterwards, and its association 

 with man has so demoralized the creature that it mates 

 freely (being polygamous) with various more or less nearly 

 related species, the offspring of the ill-assorted unions 

 being barren hybrids. Both sexes err in this respect, 

 though perhaps the male is the more frequent offender 

 of the two. 



THE PIED FLYCATCHER. See wider Flycatchers. 



THE PIED WAGTAIL. See under Wagtails. 



THE PIGEONS. See under Doves. 



THE PINE GROSBEAK. See under Finches. 



