Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus, Species: P. colchicus · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges) · Contour feather (Body feather)
Species
Phasianus colchicus
Feather Type
Contour feather (Body feather)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges)
Shape
Slightly asymmetrical, elongated with a rounded tip; the base is broad and plumulaceous (downy).
Size
Approximately 4–7 cm in length. This is consistent with a flank or breast contour feather for a medium-sized game bird.
Rarity
Common; an abundant and widespread species due to its popularity as a game bird and successful naturalization.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown, cream, and buff. Features dark transverse barring typical of female plumage or lower-body male plumage. The rachis is light and transitions into the dark pigmentation of the barbs.
Barb Structure
A mix of pennaceous (interlocked) at the tip and plumulaceous (soft, loose) at the base. The barbs are relatively coarse compared to songbirds.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and slightly glossy at the patterned tip, becoming very soft, silky, and matte at the gray downy base.
Description
This feather belongs to the Ring-necked Pheasant, a large ground-dwelling bird. Males are brilliantly colored with iridescent green heads and red face wattles, while females are a cryptic, mottled sandy brown. This feather displays the camouflaging earth tones typical of Galliformes.
Key Features
Distinctive mottled brown/buff transverse barring, significant downy base, and relatively stiff pennaceous tip characteristic of phasianids.
Habitat
Agricultural fields, grasslands, brushy areas, and forest edges near water sources.
Geographic Range
Native to Asia but widely introduced and naturalized across North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of New Zealand.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some minor separation of the barbs (zipper effect loss) and slight curvature indicative of a naturally molted feather.
Interesting Facts
Pheasants are surprisingly fast flyers, able to reach speeds of up to 48 mph when flushed, though they prefer to run or hide when threatened.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that consume seeds, insects, and grain. They serve as a primary prey species for hawks, foxes, and coyotes.
Similar Species
Wild Turkey (tends to be larger and darker), Ruffed Grouse (barring is usually more irregular), or female Northern Pintail (feather shape is different).