398 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



Colchis, whence its name is derived. Struck with its beauty, they 

 carried it back with them into Greece, whence it gradually spread 

 over a large portion of the European continent. The Greeks, 

 believing it to be indigenous to the banks of the Caucasian river, 

 called it the " Bird of Phasis ; " subsequently, however, it was 



Fig. 154. Common Pheasants. 



ascertained that it also inhabited the whole of the south of Asia 

 China, Cochin-China, Bengal, &c. 



At the present day this bird is found in France, Great Britain, 

 Holland, Germany, and even Sweden. 



Pheasants prefer wooded slopes or marshy plains. Their food 

 is of a varied character, and is composed of grain, berries, worms, 

 insects, and snails. They are shy and timid in their nature, taking 

 flight at the slightest indication of danger. They live alone up to 



