A large, colorful bird often hunted for sport and food, with long tail feathers and, in males, bright markings. It usually lives in fields and forests.
From Old French “faisan,” from Latin “phasianus,” from Greek “phasianos” meaning “bird of the Phasis River” (in modern Georgia). The name originally referred to birds from that specific region.
The pheasant is literally named after a river, showing how old trade routes turned local wildlife into global words. Its bright male feathers are a classic example of how evolution sometimes favors showy looks over camouflage.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.