450 BRITISH BIRDS. 
Common and the Ring-necked species, the latter strain showing itself not 
only in the more or less perfect ring of white round the neck, but also in 
the greater or less predominance of green instead of red on the rump. 
The great fertility of these crosses apparently proves that the Common 
Pheasant and the Ring-necked Pheasant, and probably several others of 
the nearly allied Pheasants, are only subspecifically distinct. 
In a polygamous bird like the Pheasant, pairing takes place every spring, 
in April and May. When the pairing-season is over and the female begins 
to sit, the male begins his moult, which lasts during June and July. The 
moult of the female is delayed until incubation is finished, and takes place 
in July and August. The magnificent plumage of the male bird is generally 
attributed to sexual selection ; but if it be true that pairing takes place just 
before the annual moult, when the plumage of the male is rendered com- 
paratively shabby by the abrasion of ten months’ wear, the theory can 
scarcely: be maintained. Possibly the plumage of the cock may become 
more brilliant in early spring by an accession of colour at that season 
without a change of feather. 
NEST OF PHEASANT. 
