Morphometric and morphological differentiation of the subspecies of Phasianus colchicus (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Iranian Plateau (Aves: Galliformes)

The Common Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Galliformes), occurs in the Iranian Plateau in three nominal subspecies. Fourteen morphometric and three morphological characteristics were examined in 114 individuals. The three nominal subspecies of the Common Pheasant could be distinguished from each other based exclusively on morphological characteristics such as the variation in body size, plumage patterns, the presence/absence of the white wing bar and morphometric data such as bill depth and width. Our field observations and conclusions from morphological analysis showed evidence for natural hybridisation between introduced Ringnecked and autochthonous pheasants in the northern belt of Iran.