Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

A magnificent long tail feather from a male pheasant. These birds are large, chicken-like fowl with brilliant iridescent plumage and extremely long tails.

Golden-tan or buff base color with bold, dark brown to black horizontal 'ladder' bars; fine stippling present between primary bands.

Densely pennaceous throughout the vane, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the calamus base.

Smooth and relatively stiff surface; slightly matte finish typical of ground-dwelling game birds.

Bold horizontal black bars on a tan background, extreme length, and a sharp pointed tip.

Agricultural fields, grasslands, hedgerows, and brushy areas near water sources.

Native to Asia; widely introduced and established across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania.

Primary consumer/granivore; serves as an important prey species for large raptors and mammalian predators.

Wild Turkey tail feathers (straighter/broader) or Cooper's Hawk feathers (wider bands, different shape).

Male Ring-necked Pheasants use these long tail feathers in elaborate courtship displays to attract females.

Excellent condition; the vanes are intact without significant fraying or breakage, suggesting a recent molt.