Do You Know This Golden Pheasant Hanging Around Jamaica Plain?

Deer, turkeys and coyotes are some of the less common animals one may see in Jamaica Plain -- but how about a golden pheasant?

Apparently, the MSPCA has received three emails about a golden pheasant wandering around JP, and people were also able to take a photo of the bird. But it is not known whether it's someone's lost pet or a just a pretty bird that's taken up residence in the area.

And according to Wikipedia, feral populations have been established in the U.S., of the golden pheasant, also known as a Chinese pheasant. They are native to western China, but also have established other feral populations in a very wide range throughout the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Falkland Islands, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

In the comments section of the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center's Facebook post they report golden pheasants can be kept as pets in the area with a permit. The bad news is they don't thrive once it starts to get cold outside. So if this is someone's pet we want to get it back to them safe and sound.

The MSPCA recommends that if you see this golden pheasant you should call the Animal Rescue League of Boston at 617-426-9170.

A little more about golden pheasants. They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates, so conceivably this guy or gal could find food for itself around the area. They roost in trees at night, but only fly awkwardly for short bursts, and thus prefer to run and spend most of their time on the ground.