Skip to content

Predation, Almost Entirely by Red Foxes, Accounted for 42% of Recorded Mortality in Wild Norfolk Hen Pheasants

Wild female common pheasant in Hampshire, England
Research · Ecology

A three-year field study of a wild common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) population in Norfolk, eastern England, found predation to be the largest recorded cause of mortality among radio-tagged hens. Researchers captured 154 females in late winter during 2011–2013 and fitted them with radio transmitters in an area where no pheasant releases were conducted.

Median survival among the radio-tagged hens was 129 days. Overall survival did not differ clearly among years and showed no detectable effect of age or body condition, although the yearly survival patterns began to diverge from April onwards; the authors suggest variation in predation pressure and weather as likely contributors. Predation accounted for 42% of recorded mortality and was attributed almost entirely to red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Kidney damage accounted for 19% and was suspected by the authors to be associated with coronavirus infection, while parasitic infections accounted for 18%. Throat swabs from captured birds and pheasants shot on neighbouring estates were negative for coronavirus, so the viral link was not confirmed.

The researchers also monitored 38 nests from tagged hens in 2013. Thirteen nests, or 34%, hatched successfully, 14 were abandoned and seven were predated. Nest survival was significantly lower for clutches initiated from May to July than for those begun in March and April.

The authors describe survival in this managed wild population as being shaped by several mortality sources rather than a single factor. Their results combine direct tracking of adult hens with nest monitoring and diagnostic examinations, providing a field-based picture of both adult survival and breeding losses in a population maintained without releases.

Sources and image credit

  1. Draycott, R. A. H., & Sánchez-García, C. (2026). Survival, causes of mortality and nesting success of wild hen pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in Norfolk, eastern England. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 72, 79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-026-02114-7Primary research article published online 28 May 2026. Researchers radio-tagged 154 wild hen pheasants in Norfolk in 2011–2013 in an area without pheasant releases. Predation accounted for 42% of recorded mortality; 38 nests were monitored in 2013 and later nests had lower survival.

Image: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons — wild female common pheasant near Compton, Hampshire, England, photographed 1 June 2021; representative English hen, not one of the tagged Norfolk birds; cropped to 16:9 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

About this content: This story was produced with AI assistance within an editorial workflow developed by Wildlife Vagabond. Editorial responsibility remains with Wildlife Vagabond.How AI is used

Ecology

SPECIES IN THIS STORY

Species in this story

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Explore species Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Explore species

Independent research and conservation news archive

Did you find this information useful?

Wildlife Vagabond is independently built and maintained. Voluntary support helps cover source verification, hosting and continued work on research and conservation news.

Support Wildlife Vagabond

The news archive will remain freely available.