Are green pheasants true?

Is the Japanese green pheasant a true species, or simply a race of the common pheasant?

Taxonomists often disagree on this but the Japanese green pheasant is generally regarded as a full species, Phasianus versicolor, as opposed to P colchicus.

The cock is a distinctive and handsome bird, all dark green below and with a shorter tail than P colchicus.

It is widespread in Japan, where it is the national bird. It is a popular sporting quarry but only cocks may be shot. It is a lighter bird than P colchicus, so has a reputation as a fast and agile flier.

Green pheasants will hybridise readily with common pheasants in captivity. However, when the latter has been introduced into Japan, within the range of the green pheasant, it seems unable to hybridise successfully.

This suggests that the green is better adapted to its native country and is, indeed, a full species. DT

The Japanese green pheasant is viewed as a full species