Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Males are large, 70-90 cm in length, but much of this is their tail. Females are smaller, around 55-70 cm.
Coloration: Males are spectacularly coloured with a glossy, dark green head, a distinctive white ring around the neck (in many subspecies), bright red facial wattles, and a coppery, mottled body. Females are much more cryptic, with a mottled sandy-brown and black plumage designed for camouflage on the nest.
Key Features: The male's vibrant plumage, white neck ring, red facial wattle, and very long, barred tail are unmistakable. The female is identified by her camouflaged brown plumage and long, pointed tail (though shorter than the male's).
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: One clutch per year is typical. If the first nest is destroyed early in the season, they may re-nest.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
The female creates a shallow, concealed scrape on the ground, often in dense grass, under hedges, or at the edge of a field. She lays a clutch of 8-15 olive-brown eggs. Incubation is performed solely by the female and lasts for 23-28 days.
Larval Stage
Not applicable. Young are 'chicks'.
Pupal Stage
Not applicable.
Adult Stage
Chicks follow the hen immediately after hatching. She broods them and leads them to food but they feed themselves. They remain with her for 10-12 weeks. They can breed in their first year, but success is higher in older birds. Their lifespan in the wild is short, typically only 1-2 years, though they can live longer.
Reproduction Rate
One clutch per year is typical. If the first nest is destroyed early in the season, they may re-nest.
Generations Per Year
One generation per year.
Development Time
Birds can reach adult size in 4-5 months and can be reproductively mature the following spring.
Seasonal Cycle
In spring, males establish territories and crow to attract females. Mating occurs, followed by nesting and incubation through late spring and early summer. Chicks are raised during summer. In autumn and winter, they often form flocks and forage together.
Environmental Factors
Their survival and population density are closely tied to the availability of cover (for nesting and escaping predators) and food (grains, seeds, insects). Agricultural landscapes often provide an ideal mix of these resources.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Agricultural landscapes with a mix of cropland (especially cereals), pasture, and dense cover like hedgerows, thickets, or wetland edges.
- Open woodlands and grasslands.
- Feral populations in Australia are often associated with farmland, particularly in Tasmania, and coastal scrub on islands like Rottnest.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Established feral populations are most significant in Tasmania and on several offshore islands like King Island, Flinders Island, and Rottnest Island (WA). Smaller, localised populations exist in some agricultural areas of VIC, SA, and NSW.
Climate Zones
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Almost exclusively a rural and agricultural species. They do not adapt well to urban or suburban environments.
Native Range
Native to Asia and parts of Europe.
Introduced Range
Introduced worldwide as a game bird. Feral populations are found in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and Australia.
Introduction History
First introduced to Australia in the 1860s and 1870s.
Current Spread
Populations are considered stable or in decline in some mainland areas, but remain well-established in Tasmania and on certain islands.
Limiting Factors
Predation, particularly by the introduced Red Fox on the mainland, is a major factor limiting their population growth and spread. Habitat availability is also key.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal. They forage on the ground, primarily in the early morning and late afternoon.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Omnivorous, with a diet that changes seasonally.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Like any wild bird, their droppings can potentially carry bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, but as they do not congregate in dense flocks in urban areas, the risk of transmission to humans is negligible.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Not a known source of allergens.
Contamination Risk
Very low. They are not associated with human dwellings or food preparation areas.
Vulnerable Populations
- Not applicable.
Symptoms of Exposure
- Not applicable.
Transmission Methods
- Not applicable in a public health context.
Risk Severity
Low (effectively zero health risk).
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
Costs are generally related to crop protection rather than direct population control.
Prevention Costs
$100-$1000s for crop netting or auditory deterrents.
Diy Treatment
Minimal.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
Can cause damage to vegetable gardens and fruit crops in rural areas.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
No impact.
Retail Impact
No impact.
Reputation Damage
No impact.
Operational Disruption
None.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
The main economic impact. They can cause significant localised damage by digging up and consuming newly sown seeds (e.g., corn, peas) and feeding on ripening cereal heads and vegetable crops.
Yield Loss
Can be significant for individual farmers in areas with high pheasant densities, but not considered a widespread, major agricultural pest on a national scale.
Beneficial Aspects
They consume a large number of insects, including some pest species, and weed seeds. They are also a valued game species, supporting a recreational hunting industry in some states (e.g., Tasmania).
Economic Loss
Localized losses to specific crops are the primary negative impact, which can be significant for affected growers.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
None.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
Cost of replanting or lost yield for farmers.
Preventive Maintenance
Costs of implementing crop protection measures like netting or deterrents.
Detection & Signs
Common Signs of Common Pheasant Activity
- Large amounts of droppings in concentrated areas, particularly on ledges, under bridges, and around buildings
- Visual sightings of live birds, especially in flocks around buildings or food sources
- Nesting materials such as twigs, feathers, and debris in sheltered areas like roof voids, balconies, and building crevices
- Damage to property including stained surfaces from acidic droppings and blocked gutters from nesting materials
- Unpleasant odors from accumulated droppings and decaying nesting materials
- Noise disturbances, particularly early morning cooing, flapping, and scratching sounds
Areas to Check
- Building ledges, window sills, and architectural features that provide shelter
- Under eaves, balconies, and covered outdoor areas
- Around air conditioning units, solar panels, and rooftop equipment
- Bridge underpasses and similar structures
- Near food sources such as outdoor dining areas and waste disposal points
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Clean up any spilled grain around silos and sheds to remove an easy food source.
- Not as reliant on human sanitation as other pests, as they forage on crops and wild seeds.
Exclusion Methods
- For high-value crops or large gardens, bird netting is the most effective exclusion method.
- Fencing can deter them from walking into an area, but it must be well-maintained, as they can find gaps.
- Protecting newly sown seeds by planting them deeper or using seed treatments can help.
Landscaping Tips
- In agricultural settings, removing dense, weedy cover from the immediate edges of fields can make the area less attractive to them by reducing escape cover.
- This can be a trade-off, as such cover also supports beneficial insects.
Monitoring Strategies
- Regularly scouting field edges at dawn and dusk to assess population numbers.
- Monitoring crops for signs of feeding damage.
- Using trail cameras can help to understand their movement patterns on a property.
Environmental Modification
- Use of auditory deterrents such as gas-powered scare guns or recorded distress calls can be effective, but birds may habituate over time.
- Visual deterrents like scare-eye balloons or reflective tape can provide some protection for small areas.
- Timing the planting of crops to avoid peak pheasant feeding periods can sometimes help.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Chemical repellents can be applied to some crops, but there are no poisons used for pheasant control.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
In some states, licensed hunters can undertake population control through shooting, subject to regulations. Trapping can also be done but requires a permit and is labour-intensive. These actions are usually for game management or significant agricultural protection, not for nuisance control.
Integrated Approach
An integrated approach for a farmer would involve a combination of deterrents (auditory/visual), crop protection (netting), and, where populations are very high and causing damage, a licensed control program.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
Ineffective.
Home Made Traps
Illegal. Trapping of game birds requires a license.
Deterrent Methods
DIY visual deterrents like CDs or scarecrows have very limited, short-term effectiveness.
Mechanical Control
Harassing the birds to chase them from a field provides only temporary relief.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Netting is 100% effective for exclusion. Deterrents have variable and often diminishing success. Population control through hunting can reduce numbers but rarely eliminates the population.
Timeframe
Deterrents provide immediate but temporary effects. A managed hunting program reduces numbers over a season.
Follow Up Required
Crop protection and deterrents need to be maintained throughout the vulnerable period of the crop.
Seasonal Considerations
Control and deterrent efforts are most critical during planting and when crops are ripening.
Application Techniques
- Netting: Physically covering the crop.
- Deterrents: Strategic placement of scare devices to cover the entire affected area.
- Population Control: Subject to strict hunting and animal welfare regulations.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Chemical repellents can be applied to some crops, but there are no poisons used for pheasant control.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
In some states, licensed hunters can undertake population control through shooting, subject to regulations. Trapping can also be done but requires a permit and is labour-intensive. These actions are usually for game management or significant agricultural protection, not for nuisance control.
Integrated Approach
An integrated approach for a farmer would involve a combination of deterrents (auditory/visual), crop protection (netting), and, where populations are very high and causing damage, a licensed control program.
Professional Treatment Costs
Costs are generally related to crop protection rather than direct population control.
Treatment Success Rates
Netting is 100% effective for exclusion. Deterrents have variable and often diminishing success. Population control through hunting can reduce numbers but rarely eliminates the population.
Treatment Timeframe
Deterrents provide immediate but temporary effects. A managed hunting program reduces numbers over a season.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Breeding season. Males establish territories, crow, and display. Females begin nesting.
Summer Activity
Females are raising their chicks. Birds feed on insects and green vegetation.
Autumn Activity
Birds may flock together to feed on spilled grain in harvested fields and wild berries.
Winter Activity
Birds form winter flocks and survive on leftover grains, seeds, and roots.
Breeding Season
Spring.
Peak Activity Period
Peak agricultural damage often occurs during sowing in spring and when crops are ripening in late summer/autumn.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Hardy and adaptable to temperate climates.
Humidity Effects
Not a major factor.
Photoperiod Effects
Increasing day length in spring triggers the start of the breeding season.
Weather Patterns
Severe winter weather with heavy snow cover can impact survival by limiting access to food, though this is rare in their Australian range.
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
Professional pest control operators must be licensed and comply with relevant state and local regulations regarding bird control treatments. Most bird species in Australia are not protected, allowing for standard pest control methods. However, it's recommended to verify specific regulations in your area before implementing control measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pheasants native to Australia?
No, the Common Pheasant is not native to Australia. It is native to Asia and was introduced to Australia in the 19th century by acclimatisation societies, primarily for the purpose of establishing a population for recreational game hunting. Feral populations have become self-sustaining in specific areas that provide a suitable habitat, most notably in Tasmania and on several offshore islands. Any pheasant you see in the wild in Australia is part of this introduced population.
Do pheasants cause damage? Are they a major pest?
Pheasants can be a significant pest, but their impact is very localised. They are not considered a major pest on a national scale like rabbits or foxes. Their damage is almost exclusively agricultural. They can cause economic losses to farmers by digging up and eating newly sown seeds, such as corn and peas, and by feeding on ripening grains or vegetable crops. In a typical suburban garden, they are not a problem as they do not inhabit urban areas. So, while they can be a serious issue for an individual farmer in an area with a high pheasant population, they are not a widespread threat across the country.
Is it legal to hunt feral pheasants in Australia?
The legality of hunting pheasants depends entirely on the state or territory. In Tasmania, the Common Pheasant is a declared game species, and there is a regulated hunting season with specific rules, bag limits, and licensing requirements. In other states where they exist, they may be considered an unprotected introduced species, meaning a landowner may be able to control them on their property. However, all hunting and control actions are still subject to firearms laws and animal welfare legislation. You must always check the specific regulations with the relevant state authority (e.g., a Department of Primary Industries or Game Management Authority) before undertaking any hunting.
How can I stop pheasants from eating my crops?
Protecting crops from pheasants requires proactive measures. For small, high-value areas like market gardens or trial plots, physical exclusion with bird netting is the most effective method. For larger fields, this is often not economically viable. In these cases, farmers can use a combination of deterrents. Auditory scarers, like gas-powered 'scare guns' that produce loud bangs at intervals, can be effective, but the birds may get used to them. Visual deterrents like scare-eye balloons or reflective tape can also help. Sometimes, altering planting times or depths can reduce the vulnerability of seeds. In areas with legal hunting, managing the local population can also be part of an overall strategy.
What is that loud, explosive noise I hear when a bird flies out of the grass?
If you are in a rural area and a bird bursts out from cover at your feet with a loud whirring sound and a harsh call, you have likely flushed a Common Pheasant. This explosive take-off is a classic anti-predator response. Their wings are short and rounded, designed for rapid, powerful acceleration to get out of immediate danger, rather than for sustained flight. The loud wing-beat noise is intended to startle a potential predator (like a fox, or in this case, a person), giving the pheasant a crucial split second to escape. They will typically fly a short distance before gliding back into dense cover.
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