Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

This feather belongs to a male Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird known for the male's iridescent green head and white neck ring. The feather shown exhibits the intricate cryptic 'gold and copper' plumage of the body, designed to provide camouflage while nesting or foraging in tall grass despite the bird's overall colorful appearance.

Complex mottled design featuring a dark brown 'v' or 'chevron' center, surrounded by buff/cream vermiculation and a rich rufous or auburn border along the outer edges.

Pennaceous at the distal end (interlocked) transitioning to a significant plumulaceous (fluffy) base; contains a distinct afterfeather (aftershaft) at the base.

Smooth and somewhat glossy on the pennaceous portion with a soft, downy texture at the base for insulation.

Concentric 'V' shaped dark brown patterns, sandy-gold vermiculation, and a rich reddish-brown perimeter.

Open grasslands, agricultural fields, hedgerows, and light brushy areas; avoids dense forests.

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

Primarily a ground-dwelling herbivore and insectivore; serves as a significant prey species for foxes, hawks, and owls.

Grey Partridge (smaller, less rufous) and Ruffed Grouse (more grayish-brown with different banding structures).

Male pheasants are polygynous, often maintaining a harem of several females; they are also capable of short, explosive bursts of flight exceeding 40 mph.

Excellent condition; the barbs are well-aligned, suggesting a freshly molted or newly emerged feather with no visible parasites or wear.