Just How Stupid Can Pheasants Get?

[Madelinew]

Been observing the 2 male pheasants in my garden for a few months and their antics always entertain me as they are not known for their brain power. They disappeared for a few weeks and returned this week only one had obviously had a sex change in the interim - OK so one had come back with a mate. Well, today the daft female bird had decided to site it's nest in full view of my kitchen window, right on top of the Badger set and, not only that, but along the path cut through my garden by the local cats - right across it.

I watched this morning as she settled herself down, looked a little startled when she spotted me and sat there like a lemon as one of the local cats took his morning stroll. He came to a stop a few feet from her and they had a staring contest for a good few minutes. He sat down seemingly to allow her to take her time in concluding that he was in fact a predator and eventually she flew off shouting at all who'd listen.

Do these bird lack sense of smell as well as house a brain the size of a pea? I swear that cat was grinning when she flew away.

[Garden Carpet]

Poor silly pheasant, at least the cat gave her a chance. I hope she finds a more suitable place to raise her family.

jaki

[Walwyn]

And you know what? Some people find it a great sport trying to outwit them with guns.

[Madelinew]

Yes - hardly a taxing pastime.....

And that would be a sport one assumes.....

[badgerwatcher]

They probably searched hard for something they could feel intellectually superior to!

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

To be fair though, it's the only reason Pheasants are in the country

[nightshade]

A shooting estate used to release birds in woods near me
they would sit festooning the trees for days wondering
what to do next poor things

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Madelinew

Been observing the 2 male pheasants in my garden for a few months and their antics always entertain me as they are not known for their brain power. They disappeared for a few weeks and returned this week only one had obviously had a sex change in the interim - OK so one had come back with a mate. Well, today the daft female bird had decided to site it's nest in full view of my kitchen window, right on top of the Badger set and, not only that, but along the path cut through my garden by the local cats - right across it.

I watched this morning as she settled herself down, looked a little startled when she spotted me and sat there like a lemon as one of the local cats took his morning stroll. He came to a stop a few feet from her and they had a staring contest for a good few minutes. He sat down seemingly to allow her to take her time in concluding that he was in fact a predator and eventually she flew off shouting at all who'd listen.

Do these bird lack sense of smell as well as house a brain the size of a pea? I swear that cat was grinning when she flew away.

Sense of smell appears to be relatively poorly developed in many bird groups, with some exceptions such as various seabirds, vultures, etc. Agree Pheasants are not intelligent- good on looks + that's about it!

[badgerwatcher]

Well, if we condemned every creature to death who was a bit slow even if they looked good, it would be a trifle harsh, and a bit hectic for a while!

[Madelinew]

A large portion of the human race could end up on that list too.....