Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Phasianus colchicus

Phasianus colchicus

9.9
A large bird with bright feathers, a long tail, and a white ring on its neck often found in fields
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : faisán común
  • Male Phasianus colchicus are known for their striking, colorful feathers and long tails.

Examples

  • Wild populations of Phasianus colchicus can often be seen foraging in open fields at dawn.

  • The Phasianus colchicus has adapted well to farmland across much of Europe and North America.

  • I spotted a beautiful Phasianus colchicus in the field.

  • The Phasianus colchicus is known for its striking colors.

  • The male Phasianus colchicus displays vibrant plumage during the mating season.

  • In the autumn, flocks of Phasianus colchicus can be spotted in the fields searching for food.

  • Many farmers appreciate the presence of Phasianus colchicus on their land, as they help control insect populations.

Synonyms

ring-necked pheasant
vsPhasianus colchicus
6.6

A common bird with bright feathers and a white ring on its neck

is the widely found species characterized by bright plumage and white neck ring
ringneck
vsPhasianus colchicus
4.9

A common bird hunted for sport with a pale ring around its neck

is the specific species term highlighting bright plumage and distinct neck ring

Surface Forms

Phasianus colchicus singular
Phasianus colchici plural

Morphology

Phasianus + colchicus

This is a Latin binomial: 'Phasianus' clearly signals the genus (pheasants), so a learner who knows that constituent could infer the phrase refers to a type of pheasant. However, 'colchicus' is a Latin specific epithet (not an English word) and does not transparently convey the precise sense 'common pheasant' or its geographic origin to a B1 learner, so the full meaning is not fully predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Phasianus colchicus may come from the place where the bird was first seen: one popular story says Phasianus is named after the River Phasis, where pheasants lived, and colchicus means 'from Colchis'. So the name simply means a pheasant from that area, which helps you remember it is the common, colorful pheasant of Eurasia.