Japanese Green

[Lophura]

When comparing pheasants by photographs, you have to keep in mind the lighting in which the bird was shot. The photo I posted, though not the best, was taken in strong light with contrasting shadows. Birds with irridescent plumage such as pheasants can and will look very different depending on how much light is cast on their plumage. The bird in the other photo looks like it was taken in more overcast conditions. My bird(s) look just like that one when it is cloudy out. The rump appears more blue green rather than powder blue, as it does in strong sun. Apart from the three subspecies, the birds can and do show slight individual variation from one to another. Doesn't mean they aren't pure, the're just showing the individuality within a specie. Not sure exactly what differences your noticing, but they have already been looked at by James Pfarr and his conclusion was that mine were southern.

You are right about the contrast in shadows & such when it comes to photos. Perhaps why the best field guides are always prints not photos!! Between the two, I noticed differences in the neck & rump and yes, it could be the lighting. If James says their Southern, I would take his word!!

Dan

 

[PupuMcgoo]

TV,
Unfortunately, for the true pheasant species here in the US, hybridization with the Ring neck seems to be an all to common occurrence. The Afgan white wing is another example. There were a few years ago several sources for Afgan white wings, such as Strombergs and Toubl game farm, but they either discontinued the line or began to offer hybrids with Ring necks for shooting purposes. They are always seeming to try and "build" a better bird. Now finding pure true pheasant lines is becoming difficult. A good place to look is on gbwf.org. A lot of pheasant breeders frequent that site.

Ummmm there can't be such a thing as a "Pure" Afghan White wing when "Afghan White Wing" is a made up name for a bird that is a mixture of phasianus species. I thought you knew better than that Turk....

There is a "White Wing" group of phasianus and that consists of the Bianchi's, Khivan, Zarudny's, Prince of Wales, Yarkand, Zerafshan. NO AFGHAN WHITE WING! READ A BOOK OR TWO!!!!!!!

 

[turkaholic]

Ummmm there can't be such a thing as a "Pure" Afghan White wing when "Afghan White Wing" is a made up name for a bird that is a mixture of phasianus species. I thought you knew better than that Turk....

There is a "White Wing" group of phasianus and that consists of the Bianchi's, Khivan, Zarudny's, Prince of Wales, Yarkand, Zerafshan. NO AFGHAN WHITE WING! READ A BOOK OR TWO!!!!!!!

At the time the post was made I was generalizing. I know " Afghan Whitewing" basically groups the whitewing subspecies. I raise several of the subspecies and know the differences. I guess since your first posts on this site where you came across as "I got me some thar fancy chickens.....etc, you have now transformed into the authority on Phasianus. Very impressive!

 

[Lophura]

There is a "White Wing" group of phasianus and that consists of the Bianchi's, Khivan, Zarudny's, Prince of Wales, Yarkand, Zerafshan.

Didn't two of those go to White Castle?

Could you imagine the uproar if someone went to an auction with Zarudny's listed on the box!! I could hear them now - "thems just ringnecks, what the hell!". I recall in 03 when a pair of Lineated when threw a sale ring and sold as "silvers". Fortunately, they went to me and for a mere $5. I do wish people would research, research, research, research, and when they think they've researched enough, start again. Something I use all the time when talking about responsible pet ownership with Animal Wonders, totally applies to aviculture. Sadly, most don't care to learn the difference between Bianchi and the others, people want what is cool, cheap, and/or will make them the most money. Like buying the bird, then going home and building the aviary while it waits in the box. Sad.

Dan

 

[G-Dekeyser]

im also looking for pure versicolor pheasants, pm me if you got em

 

[rarebreed2]

you know where i can get some eggs

 

[UberchicRanch]

Hi there,

Just checking in here to see if anyone knows any breeders of Japanese Green Pheasants, Phasianus Versicolor. There are 3 variations. I'm open to any. Please don't confuse with Mutants and / or hybrids.

Thank you,
Überchic Ranch

 

[LehighCounty4-H]

i have one male and 3 females as well if interested in chicks/hatching eggs located in Southeast PA

 

[UberchicRanch]

Hi @Kahluaisamazing ,

I agree. Kahlua is amazing! Anyways, I sent you a PM. Please get back to me. Thank you!

Best,
Überchic Ranch

 

[Trossow90]

I presently have several Japanese green pheasants or true versicolors, not the green melanistic ringnecks so many incorrectly term Versicolors.  I spent hours on the internet inquiring and tracking down breeders that have them, and there ain't many! Kelly McMullen in Louisiana and South Jordan Aviary in Utah had young birds for sale this past fall. I don't know if they still do. Kelly didn't have any hens. They run around 100 a pair.


For those that are interested, it seems Japanese Greens have fallen out of favor over the last 15 years or so, and I think their numbers in this country are on a severe decline. More breeders are needed and possibly some fresh stock imported directly from Japan in the form of live birds or eggs. I don't know how to go about this, and if anyone does, let me know. I would bet with the avian flu scare, it is darn near impossible to get birds into the country, especially from the pacific rim.


Japanese greens are a VERY flighty bird. They are extremely wary of humans and much more wild in nature than even ringnecks. My birds spend 99.9 percent of the day in thick cover that I have in the pen and as soon as they see me they dive into it and hide.  Whether or not they will calm down remains to be seen.  They do need a large pen with plenty of cover in the form of bushes or cut limbs, xmas trees, or the sort to keep them happy. Otherwise they will fly against the wire or netting in a desperate attempt to escape.  I've joked it would be easier to get a melanistic ringneck and spray paint his rump powder blue and call it a versicolor! At least you would get to see and enjoy it!/img/smilies/lol.png


Now,  I always like a challenge and I'm sure these will give me one.  But this spring will be my first attempt at breeding and hatching their eggs. If I'm successful in getting a flock going, I'll offer pairs for sale in the future. But right now I don't know if that will be in a year or even 3. Good luck TV!


Anyone that  has any questions concerning Versicolors, PM me!

do you have the contact information for those breeders?