Ruby red feathers dangle from the side of the tail. The long crown feathers glow crimson red, and the cock's back is patched with sapphire blue, emerald and tones of the sunset. The more timid golden pheasant is just as striking as the Lady Amhersts. As its name implies, it flaunts almost every hue of gold and red imaginable with a little florescent green and blue thrown in for good measure. The hens, on the other hand, are streaked with different shades of brown.
Many students ask why the boys are colorful and the girls are just plain brown.
The browns help the hen blend into her surroundings, making it easier to hide from potential predators. What's more, she does not compete for a cock's attention, so there is no need for bright, flashy colors. After rereading this article, I realize how inept my pheasant descriptions really are. You need to just come out and see these beautiful works of nature for yourself. Keanna Leonard is education curator at the Grand Isle Heritage Zoo.