White Pheasant

White Pheasant

　　    It is a specialty of Echeng District, Ezhou City, Hubei Province.

　　    The White Pheasant, also known as the white pheasant, originates from Bai Zhi Mountain in Bishi Town, Ezhou City, Hubei Province. Bai Zhi Mountain is situated in Bishi Town, approximately 30 li south of downtown Ezhou. To the east, it connects with Dongfang Mountain, and to the south, it stands opposite Taohua Mountain. The two peaks form a deep, long valley called Shili Changgou (Ten-Li Long Valley). It was once a necessary route into the Mufu Hills in ancient times, characterized by complex terrain and treacherous paths. Bai Zhi Mountain rises abruptly from the ground, featuring high elevations, steep paths, and sheer cliffs, making it one of the notable mountains in Ezhou. Winding up from the mountain foot along a narrow path, you’ll find dense forests, thick bamboo, brambles, light mist, birdsong, and fragrant flowers. The White Pheasant is lively in temperament, good at running but not adept at flying. It enjoys foraging while on the move, runs swiftly, and has poor high-flying ability—only capable of short-distance, low-altitude flight and not for extended periods. The bird has an omnivorous diet, feeding on insects, weeds, wild fruits, and grass seeds found in the mountain forests. Due to its small stomach capacity, it prefers to eat a little, move on, and then return to feed again. The artificially farmed White Pheasants from Bai Zhi Mountain in Ezhou are rich in various minerals such as selenium, zinc, iron, and manganese, as well as β-globulin, lecithin, and multiple vitamins including A, D, E, B1, and B2. Their protein content is as high as 30%, which is twice that of ordinary chicken or pork. The fat content is only 0.9%, which is 1/39th that of pork, 1/8th of beef, and 1/10th of ordinary chicken, and they contain virtually no cholesterol. The meat is tender, delicious, and rich in wild flavor. As a high-protein, low-fat game food, it offers benefits such as nourishing yin and kidney, enriching blood and qi, strengthening the body and mind, and beautifying the skin. It is highly favored by the public.