Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus, Species: P. colchicus · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges) · Contour (Body Feather)
Species
Phasianus colchicus
Feather Type
Contour (Body Feather)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Partridges)
Shape
Symmetrical, rounded tip with a slightly tapered base and broad mid-section.
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length. This is a small body feather consistent with breast or flank plumage.
Rarity
Common (Abundant in agricultural and grassland regions).
Color & Pattern
Highly distinctive tri-color pattern. The tip is solid black (melanic), followed by a creamy white or pale buff chevron/V-shape, with a warm reddish-brown or chestnut mahogany base and mottled edges.
Barb Structure
Mixed: Pennaceous (interlocked) at the distal tip for structure/color, and plumulaceous (loose, fluffy) at the base for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat glossy at the tip; soft, downy, and matte at the base.
Description
This feather comes from the Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird known for the male's spectacular iridescent plumage. Males feature a green head, red face wattles, and a white neck ring. The body is a mosaic of copper, gold, and black patterns, which this specific feather exemplifies perfectly.
Key Features
White 'V' or chevron band separating a black tip from a brown base; dual-textured surface with downy lower half.
Habitat
Open country, including grasslands, agricultural fields, brushy areas, and forest edges.
Geographic Range
Native to Asia; widely introduced and established across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania. They are non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the distal pennaceous part is intact, showing little wear or fraying. The downy base remains lofted.
Interesting Facts
Pheasants were first brought to North America from China in 1881. They are incredibly fast runners and prefer to flee on foot rather than fly.
Ecological Role
Ground-dwelling omnivore; serves as a primary prey species for hawks, foxes, and coyotes. They help disperse seeds and control insect populations.
Similar Species
Other galliforms like the Gray Partridge or Ruffed Grouse, but neither possesses the sharp, clean white-and-black chevron tip found on pheasant flank/breast feathers.