The National Bird of Japan in Peril
Green Pheasants, Phasianus versicolor versicolor or P.v. robustipes are a species of True Pheasants, such as the Ringneck Pheasant, i.e. Phasianus colchicus torquatus, also known as the "Common Pheasant." The Green Pheasants were once considered a subspecies of the Ringneck Pheasant but was later determined that there are 3 sub-species of Green Pheasant, therefore prompting a new class of species. There is a Northern Green Pheasant and a Southern Green Pheasant sub-species.
Although they are the National Bird of Japan, unfortunately, deforestation, urbanization, and natural disasters has negatively affected their wild numbers in Japan. However, the Red List lists the Green Pheasant as "LC" or "Least Concern." We actually professionally disagree with this assessment for many reasons. One reason being that we do not agree with how IUCN views the Green Pheasants as part of the "Common Pheasant" class, considering the Chinese Ringneck and the many varieties and subspecies kept in captivity are all lumped as the same bird. Furthermore, hundreds of unethical bird breeders have crossedbred the Green Pheasants with various Ringneck species and mutations, such as the Melanistic Mutant, to create Green Mutants and / or Green Ringnecks, yet intentionally sell them as pure Green Pheasants. Some of these misinformed breeders think Green Mutants are the same as Green Pheasants since they have some similarities, but key differences. Yet, the value of a true Green Pheasant over a Green Mutant is quite different in price. True Green Pheasants are much higher in value. To make matters worse, the recent outbreak of the Avian Flu has prevented breeders and enthusiasts from importing new bloodlines, thus creating a scarcity of the Greens in the United States. As a result, the infertility rates in captivity have been increasing while wild numbers are declining.
You can rest assured that we at Überchic Ranch carry the best quality Green Pheasants from recent imports from the UK and we are awaiting news allowing imports straight from Japan. You can read more about the Green Pheasant on our Blog. Adding the Green Pheasants would sure to add to your aviary, but more importantly, would aid in preserving this beautiful species of pheasant.
Well Planted Aviaries Required
A well-planted aviary with bushes and tall grass would help keep the Green Pheasants calm.
Shy and Private Demeanor
The Green Pheasant tends to be spooked and stressed more easily than other species of True Pheasants. They are more flighty and should be kept in their own aviary.
For the Experienced Aviculturist
Due to the circumstances that the Green Pheasants are facing both in captivity and the wild, Green Pheasants should be considered for the more serious enthusiast.
