Poultry
Phasianus colchicus
A tier
Phasianus colchicus is the common pheasant species encompassing wild and many game-farm birds across Eurasia and introduced ranges. Meat is lean, pale-to-pink in the breast, darker in the legs, with classic mild game flavour that defines “pheasant” on Western menus. Bard with bacon, roast carefully, or braise older birds. Scientific naming appears on game labels and ecological docs when subspecies are not distinguished.
Also known as: Common pheasant (P. colchicus), Phasianus colchicus
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Pheasants from the Caucasus and Asia entered early trade and domestication pathways.
Introduced pheasants became established British game.
Global introductions spread P. colchicus as a premier sport bird.
Wild and released birds supplied most culinary pheasant worldwide.