Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

The Pheasant is an introduces, permanent, quite frequent species on the island of Solta, nesting in the fields and in the maquis. During the days we spent on the island between 24 and 27 Oct 2007, a couple of specimens often appeared, mostly cocks, and their calls could be heard almost everywhere. On the road section between Grohote and Donje Selo we observed, each day, one or two Pheasent flushing from below the Fig tree Ficus carica along the road. We noted that a large amount of rotting figs accumulated under the trees, and this is what the birds were feeding on. In the afternoon of 27 October, it was on the same road section that a couple of Pheasant cocks tottered in front of our slowly moving car from below the roadside figs. They were completly confused, not even wanting to turn off the road. An hour later we returned and found another 6-7 Pheasant cocks on the road. They made a staggering attempt to run a few metres in front of the approaching car, then stood aside and wated for us to pass. Most probably, the Pheasants had eaten the fermenting figs, which in fact caused their strange behaviour.