Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus, Species: colchicus · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges) · Contour (Body feather)
Species
Phasianus colchicus
Feather Type
Contour (Body feather)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges)
Shape
Broad and rounded with a square-cut or slightly spatulate tip; largely symmetrical.
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length. Small size indicates it is a body contour feather rather than a flight feather.
Rarity
Common (Abundant in suitable agricultural and grassland habitats).
Color & Pattern
Rich rufous-brown/copper margins with a distinctive creamy-gold or buff center. The central light area features dark, chevron-like horizontal barring or vermiculations typical of male pheasant plumage.
Barb Structure
The lower half is plumulaceous (loose and downy) for insulation, while the upper half is pennaceous (firmly interlocked) for protection and display.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glossy at the pennaceous tip with a slight metallic sheen; soft and fuzzy at the grayish-tan downy base.
Description
This feather belongs to the male Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird with spectacular plumage. Males feature a green iridescent head, red facial wattles, and a white neck ring, matched by body feathers that are a mosaic of gold, copper, and black. This specific feather shows the intricate barring that provides camouflage while also contributing to the bird's ornate appearance during displays.
Key Features
Tri-colored appearance (cream center, dark chevrons, copper edges), square tip, and a large downy base portion.
Habitat
Open grasslands, agricultural fields, brushy corridors, and hedgerows with nearby cover.
Geographic Range
Native to Asia; widely introduced and established across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania. They are non-migratory residents.
Condition Notes
Good; the tip shows some slight separation of barbs (fraying), indicating it was likely a naturally molted feather or lost during brush movement.
Interesting Facts
Pheasants were first successfully introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. They are known for their 'thunderous' takeoff, where they burst from cover with loud wingbeats when startled.
Ecological Role
Primary consumer/omnivore feeding on seeds and insects; serves as a significant prey species for hawks, foxes, and coyotes.
Similar Species
Ruffed Grouse (more matte and brown-heavy), Gray Partridge (finer vermiculations), or female Ring-necked Pheasants (lack the rich copper/gold contrast).