Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

This is a delicate contour feather from a Ring-necked Pheasant. The bird itself is a large, ground-dwelling galliform. Males are flamboyant with iridescent green heads and red wattles, while females are buff-brown with intricate black and tan speckling—matching the pattern on this feather perfectly for camouflage.

Cream-buff or light tan base color with intricate dark brown V-shaped or 'chevron' barring and speckled vermiculations. The tip is slightly paler.

The upper half is pennaceous and tightly interlocked with a distinct pattern, while the lower half is plumulaceous (downy) and fluffy for insulation.

The patterned tip is smooth and slightly glossy, while the base is extremely soft, downy, and matte.

Characteristic 'V-shaped' brown barring on a buff background and the dual-natured structure (half-patterned, half-downy).

Open grasslands, agricultural fields, brushy field edges, and hedgerows.

Native to Asia but widely introduced and naturalized across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania.

Generalist omnivore (seeds, insects) and a significant prey species for foxes, hawks, and owls. They serve as an indicator of healthy grassland and shrubland habitats.

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) or Female Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) breast feathers; however, the specific chevron pattern and size are diagnostic for Phasianus.

The Ring-necked Pheasant is the state bird of South Dakota. They are known for their 'rooster-like' crow and their ability to burst into nearly vertical flight when startled.

Excellent condition; the barbs are mostly intact though slightly spread at the edges from handling. No obvious fault bars or parasite wear.