Non-native Golden Pheasant spotted in West Ashley

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – An exotic bird has been spotted recently in the West Ashley area.

The bird, a male Golden Pheasant, appears to be hanging out in an area near the Wappoo Creek and Stono River, based on where it has been seen by neighbors.

Dale Aren, who often reports Diamondback Terrapin activity to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), was out looking for turtles and spotted the bird.

It was photographed in Edgewater Park last Friday, but the bird has been seen in other areas like on the Greenway and in Riverland Terrace.

“I knew it was a pheasant and a quick search on Google was clear it was a Golden,” said Aren.

The photo was posted in a few Facebook groups for the West Ashley area in hopes of finding a potential owner. Others commented on the posts saying they had also seen the bird.

Golden Pheasants are not native to the Palmetto State. Its home is in Asia and is often found throughout central and southern China; however, there are populations in several other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

According to United Parks and Resorts (SeaWorld), these birds typically inhabit forests in mountainous regions and are not known for their flying skills. They are capable of short, fast bursts of flight.

SCDNR’s Stephen Fastenau believed the bird either escaped or was released from captivity at some point when asked about it on Wednesday afternoon.

SeaWorld.org writes the bird is one of the most popular of all pheasants to be kept in captivity because of their plumage and hardy nature. “In fact, records as early as 1740 suggest this pheasant was the first species of pheasant brought to North America. Some historians have suggested that George Washington may have kept them at Mt. Vernon,” it said online .

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