Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus, Species: Phasianus colchicus · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges) · Tail feather (Rectrix)
Species
Phasianus colchicus
Feather Type
Tail feather (Rectrix)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges)
Shape
Highly elongated, asymmetrical, and tapered toward a pointed tip (lanceolate)
Size
Approximately 14-18 inches in length; this size is typical for a central tail feather of an adult male.
Rarity
Common within its range, particularly in the Midwestern United States and agricultural regions.
Color & Pattern
Golden-brown or tan base color with dark brown to black horizontal barring (tiger-striping). The rachis is light-colored/cream.
Barb Structure
Tightly pennaceous and rigid along the main vane for aerodynamics, with a small plumulaceous (fluffy) base at the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and smooth; the surface has a slight waxy gloss typical of ground-dwelling game birds.
Description
This is a central tail feather from a male Ring-necked Pheasant. The bird itself is large and chicken-like, with males sporting iridescent green heads, red face wattles, and ornate copper/gold body plumage.
Key Features
Exceptional length, pointed tip, and characteristic 'tiger-stripe' black horizontal barring on a golden-tan background.
Habitat
Open grasslands, agricultural fields, brushy fields, and forest edges. Usually found near water or dense cover.
Geographic Range
Native to Asia but widely introduced across North America, Europe, and Australia as a game bird.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition; the barbs are mostly intact with minimal 'zipper' splitting, suggesting it was naturally molted or freshly lost.
Interesting Facts
Male Ring-necked Pheasants can have tail feathers up to 20 inches long; they use these during elaborate courtship displays to attract hens.
Ecological Role
Generalist omnivore (seeds, insects). They serve as a vital prey species for various hawks, owls, and mammalian predators.
Similar Species
Reeves's Pheasant (much longer, different pattern) and Wild Turkey (darker, broader, different banding).