CHAPTER XIII 



Barred-backed Pheasant 



The Pheasants belonging to this class are closely allied 

 to those of the genus Pkasianus, the essential difference 

 being the black-and-white "bars" on the lower portion of 

 the back and the rump, and there are only sixteen feathers 

 in the tail instead of eighteen, as in P. Colchicus. 



Only two species are recognised, viz., Elliot's and 

 Hume's. 



Elliot's Pheasant {Pkasianus Ellioti) 



It is to the credit of Consul Swinhoe that this species 

 of Pheasant was first discovered, he having found these 

 birds inhabiting the mountainous locality of the Province 

 of Che-Kiang. 



The nomadical nature of Elliot's Pheasants is against 

 the introduction of this variety into British game preserves, 

 though it has been introduced. 



The length of the male bird is about 33 inches, and 

 the feathers of wings, shoulders and breast, are bronze-red. 

 Extending across each wing are two white bands. The 

 feathers of the belly are white, and those of the rump 

 black. Tail feathers barred with grey and black. 



The female is a light drab, with mottling and bars of 

 black. 



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