Re: a real Phoenix

[Christopher Taylor <ck.taylor@auckland.ac.nz>]

I'm not aware of any actual bird that lives for roughly three thousand
years, then immolates itself atop a tree.
    If we leave aside the obviously allegorical features of the phoenix,
there is one bird that I believe I have heard suggested that may be the
basis for the physical appearance. Found in an area far distant from the
Mediterranean, but probably in occasional trading, etc. contact (central
Asia), the bird in question was large (for a bird), with stunning, often
golden plumage, a long train of a tail, fiery red wattles on the males'
face, and a distinctive euphonious call that can be heard for some distance.
We do know that the ancient Greeks were fairly impressed with it. It wasn't
until much later, as their range spread largely through human introductions,
that the ring-necked pheasant (_Phasianus colchicus_) became widespread in
Europe, and regarded as less of a marvel. Similarly, the red junglefowl
(_Gallus gallus_, commonly referred to as "chook") would have seemed very
exotic when first brought to the Mediterranean. It also meets the
requirements of brilliant plumage, long tail, bright-coloured ornamentation
and a notable call.
    Some sources may suggest birds-of-paradise as models, particularly the
large _Paradisaea apoda_ cluster of species. This seems less likely to me,
simply because it would require specimens have been taken from New Guinea to
the Mediterranean many thousands of years ago.

    Cheers,

        Christopher Taylor

On 15/6/05 3:29 pm, "Ian Paulsen" <birdbooker@zipcon.net> wrote:

> HI:
> I was wondering if there is a prehistoric bird (or perhaps living?)that
> matches the mythological Phoenix?