Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

This is a tail feather from a male Ring-necked Pheasant. The bird itself is a large, chicken-like ground bird. Males are spectacular, with iridescent green heads, red facial skin, white neck rings, and brilliant gold and copper body plumage.

Coppery-brown or rufous base with fine, dark brown horizontal barring or vermiculations. The rachis is light-colored/tan, contrasting with the dark vanes.

Mainly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for rigidity and flight stability, with a small plumulaceous section near the base (calamus).

Stiff, smooth, and slightly glossy. Designed for display and aerodynamic stability; the surface feels slightly waxy.

Distinctive copper-rufous color, fine dark banding, elongated lanceolate shape, and a thick, pale central rachis.

Open grasslands, agricultural fields with hedgerows, brushy thickets, and woodland edges.

Native to Asia; widely introduced and established across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania. Resides year-round in these areas.

Generalist herbivore and insectivore. Serves as a significant prey species for larger raptors and foxes. Introduced but often integrated into local ecosystems.

Golden Pheasant (more vibrant/yellow), Lady Amherst's Pheasant (white/black patterns), or Cooper's Hawk (different banding and shape).

Male pheasants can grow tail feathers up to 20 inches long to attract mates. They are surprisingly fast flyers but prefer to run when threatened.

Good to Fair. Some splitting of the barbs near the tip and mid-section is visible (zipper-like separation), likely from natural wear or handling.