Melanistic Mutant Pheasant

     The Melanistic Mutant Pheasant is a variety of the Common Pheasant that was developed in England over 100 years ago. Although these birds don’t have a truly native range, they have become solid members of forest ecosystems, and temperate woodlands.

     The Melanistic Mutant pheasant has a whole new coloration; as it has the blue-green iridescent coloring of the head of the Ring-Necked continued throughout its entire body. The male is also quite similar to the male Green Pheasant, but the later species has somewhat paler back and wings. 

     Male Mutant pheasants feature an iridescent, greenish-black plumage that displays blue, purple, rust, and green sheen effects in the sunlight. While the females are less colorful, and smaller in size, but have a depth of lacing like other hen species. Beyond their dark and exotic coloration, Melanistic Mutant pheasants differ from their Ring-Necked originators in their survival abilities. They are known with having a phenomenal ability to survive and breed when released into the wild.

     The female Melanistic Mutant pheasant lays small eggs, up to 50 – 60 eggs throughout the spring and summer seasons. The incubation period is 24 – 25 days and it’s done by the female only. Young Mutant pheasants start to get their adult coloration around 20 weeks of age and can be released into the wild shortly afterward.