The Fascinating Survival Tactics of Pheasants
In the National Nature Park “Tuzly Estuaries” in Odesa region, scientists have observed a female pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) with eight chicks. They were confidently exploring the paths, often frequented by jackals.
This was reported by Ivan Rusev, head of the research department at the “Tuzly Estuaries” National Nature Park.
Did you know how pheasants strive to protect their offspring? These remarkable birds spend most of their lives on the ground rather than in the air, which is why they have developed tactics that confuse the most cunning predators.
Pheasants, especially the females, will pretend to be injured or sick when threatened, especially if chicks are nearby. They divert attention from the nest by scuttling or flying away, making characteristic sounds that mimic an injured bird. They sacrifice themselves for the sake of the next generation, yet they hope to distract the predator, lead it away, survive, and return to their chicks.
Unfortunately, the survival of pheasants is jeopardized by the destruction of floodplain meadows, deforestation of protective forest strips, the use of herbicides and pesticides, and particularly hunting. To conserve the species, hunting of this bird must be banned, agriculture must be carried out in an environmentally friendly manner, birds should be fed during harsh winters, and the preservation of bush thickets and floodplain meadows is essential. The pheasant is protected under the EU Birds Directive and the Bern Convention.
