Ring-necked Pheasant, Common Pheasant

These are iconic long tail feathers from a male Ring-necked Pheasant. Naturally, the bird is a multi-colored marvel with a metallic green head, red face wattles, and a white neck ring. These feathers have been modified for decorative use, likely for a costume or craft, using bright green dye over the natural melanistic patterns.

Naturally, these feathers feature tan/golden-brown backgrounds with dark brown/black transverse bars and intricate vermiculation (fine wavy lines). However, these specific specimens have been artificially dyed a vibrant lime green, replacing the natural buff/tan tones.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs along the mid-to-tip section; plumulaceous (downy) barbs visible at the base (calamus area) for insulation.

Relatively stiff and smooth pennaceous vane with a slightly glossy finish; the base is soft and downy. The surface feels waxy, common in ground-dwelling birds.

Heavy transverse black barring combined with fine 'salt and pepper' vermiculation on the opposite vane; stiff rachis; asymmetrical shape.

Open fields, grasslands, agricultural lands, and hedgerows. They prefer areas with tall grass or brush for cover.

Native to Asia; widely introduced across North America, Europe, and Australia as a game bird. They are non-migratory permanent residents.

Primary consumers of seeds and insects; they serve as a major prey base for hawks, foxes, and coyotes in agricultural ecosystems.

Lady Amherst's Pheasant (wider bars, different base color) or Golden Pheasant (shorter, different speckling), but the barring pattern here is diagnostic of Phasianus.

The Ring-necked Pheasant is the state bird of South Dakota. Males use their massive tail feathers in elaborate courtship displays to attract harems of females.

Fair condition; these have been processed, dyed, and mounted with wire/thread for decorative use. Some fraying of the barbs is visible at the tips.