
Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus, Species: P. colchicus
Family: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges, and Turkeys)
- Shape
- Symmetrical, extremely long and tapering, ending in a narrow, blunt-pointed tip
- Size
- Approximately 18 to 24 inches long, typical for a central rectrix of an adult male Ring-necked Pheasant
- Rarity
- Common (abundant and widespread due to game bird introductions)
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Description
An exceptionally long, tapering tail feather with characteristic dark transverse barring on a pale golden-brown background, belonging to the male Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, ground-dwelling game bird known for its brilliant plumage and explosive flush
Colour & Pattern
Buff to warm golden-brown background crossed by distinctive, evenly spaced dark brown or black transverse bars (chevron pattern), featuring a striking coppery-pinkish iridescence along the edges
Barb Structure
Pennaceous near the rachis with relatively loose, soft barbs along the lower lengths, lacking a prominent afterfeather
Texture & Surface
Stiff yet flexible rachis with smooth, somewhat matte vanes that are soft toward the base
Key Features
Extraordinary length, pale golden-brown ground color, and prominent dark transverse barring coupled with coppery-pink reflections
Habitat
Agricultural fields, brushy hedgerows, open woodlands, wetlands, and grassy prairies
Geographic Range
Native to Asia, but widely introduced and established across North America and Europe
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey species for various mammalian and avian predators, and helps control insect populations and weed seeds
Similar Species
Reeves's Pheasant or Lady Amherst's Pheasant, but distinguished by the specific warm buff coloration and simple dark transverse bars
Interesting Facts
The male pheasant's tail can make up more than half of its total length, acting as an aerodynamic rudder during sudden vertical takeoffs
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor wear at the extreme distal tip, intact rachis, and no major structural damage