CHAPTER VI 



Shaw's Pheasant [Phasianus Shawit) 



This species of Pheasant belongs to the genus Phasianus, 

 and in many of its features it is closely allied to P. Colchicus. 

 It is regarded by some authorities as the parent stock from 

 which all the Chinese Pheasants have been derived. In 

 connection with this matter Elliot makes the following 

 statement : — 



" This species P. Shawii is one of the most interesting 

 discoveries yet made among gallinaceous birds, apparently 

 presenting to us the original stock, looking at the subject 

 from a Darwinian point of view, from which all the species 

 of the Chinese Pheasants have descended." 



It is a resident of the valleys of Yarkand and Kashgar, 

 extending as far eastwards as the Rivers Aksu and Khotan. 

 The total length of the male is about 36 inches, and that of 

 the female 24 inches. 



The former is distinguished from Colchicus by the wing 

 coverts which are white, whilst the back, rump and upper 

 tail coverts, are of a yellowish -red bronze, emitting green and 

 purple reflections. The breast and belly are dark green. 

 The hen bird is very plain, and has a ground colour of a 

 pale reddish-buff. 



Shaw's Pheasant is regarded as a very untamable bird, 

 and its wild nature prevents it from occupying a position 



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