Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

These striking feathers belong to the Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird. Males are a riot of color with iridescent green heads, red face wattles, and a gold-and-brown speckled body with a long, barred tail.

Rich mahogany/dark brown centers with bold, cream-to-buff colored 'U' or 'V' shaped internal banding. The edges are often tipped with a lighter buff or white fringe. High melanin concentration creating sharp contrast.

Densely interlocked pennaceous structure in the center and tip; the base (as visible in the cluster) is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

The surface is smooth and somewhat glossy on the pennaceous portion, turning soft and fuzzy at the plumulaceous base. The texture is firm to the touch.

Distinctive double-banded 'V' or 'U' shaped internal markings and a rich mahogany base color characteristic of the Phasianidae family.

Agricultural fields, grasslands, brushy areas, and forest edges. They prefer mosaic landscapes with plenty of cover and grain-based food sources.

Native to Asia but widely introduced and naturalized across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania. Largely non-migratory permanent residents.

Primary consumer (granivore/insectivore) and a major prey species for larger raptors and carnivorous mammals. They are often used as indicators of agricultural health.

Gray Partridge (smaller, different banding) or Ruffed Grouse (more mottled, less distinct 'U' banding).

The Ring-necked Pheasant was first successfully introduced to the United States in the 1880s and has since become one of the most successful introduced birds in the world.

Good to Excellent. The feather vanes appear intact with minimal fraying, suggesting they were recently molted or plucked during cleaning if from a harvested bird.