Definition:

(noun) The scientific bird family classification for Old World pheasants, quail, grouse, partridges and similar birds, including roughly 135-140 species. Despite their origination in the Old World of Europe, Asia and Africa, these birds have also been introduced in many other areas, including both North and South America as well as Australia.

There is great diversity among Phasianidae birds in terms of size and markings, but these birds do share a number of common characteristics, including:

• Most do not migrate, but may be nomadic for food
• Plump round body shape with broad wings
• Short but powerful bill
• Dimorphic appearance with elaborately marked and colorful males
• Often hunted as game birds

Familiar birds in the Phasianidae family include the red junglefowl, ring-necked pheasant, Indian peafowl, ruffed grouse, chukar, willow ptarmigan, wild turkey and Himalayan snowcock.

Photo – Silver Pheasant © a_marga

Pronunciation:

FAY-zhihn-ih-deye or FAY-ZHIHN-ih-day

Also Known As:

Pheasant Family