Melanistic pheasant - male or female?

[johnpw]

I assume this is a melanistic pheasant but I'm a bit confused as to whether its male or female. Any tips on how you tell the difference? Thanks.

[willing to learn]

Hen Pheasant
Regards
colin

[johnpw]

Thanks Colin. I should have posted this one with it. Same bird taken the other day.


Just to be sure. A melanistic hen pheasant can have a dark patch on the neck similar to a male?

[salukiwhippet]

Definitely a hen bird, cocks have red wattles and a heavier build, not to mention a longer tail. When I was in Norfolk, we had a lot of wild pheasants, and it was noticeable that tha dark hens were better mothers than the pale ones. No idea why, but quite a marked difference.

James