154 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



the north of India, is resplendent with metallic hues, re- 

 sembling the plumage of the Humming-birds, but upon a 

 larger scale. Of the domesticated birds of this family we 

 shall not write, but confine our remarks to one species which 

 lives with us in a half-domesticated state, and which is typi- 

 cal of the group in its general character. 



THE COMMON PHEASANT. Pkasianus Colchicus. Both 

 in this country and upon the European continent the Phea- 

 sant has long been naturalized. It breeds in May and June, 

 forming a rude nest upon the ground, under the shelter of 

 fern, underwood, or the cut branches of trees, generally in 

 woods and plantations, but also at times in hedgerows and 

 open fields. The eggs, from ten to fourteen, resemble in 

 colour those of the Common Partridge, being of a uniform 

 yellowish or greenish grey. There is a variety, if not a dis- 

 tinct species, of Pheasant in our country, called the Ring- 

 necked Pheasant, so named from a white ring surrounding 

 the neck : it mingles and breeds with the common sort. 



GBACIDJB. CUEASSOW-BIRDS. 



This is a tribe of poultry restricted to America, and se- 

 veral of the species included in it approach the Turkey in 



