Ring-necked Pheasant (Common Pheasant)

This feather comes from a male Ring-necked Pheasant, a large, chicken-like bird with a spectacular array of colors. The males possess iridescent green heads, red facial skin, and a white neck ring. The long tail, which can reach 20 inches, is used in courtship displays to attract females. Their flight is characterized by explosive takeoffs and rapid, buzzy wingbeats followed by long glides.

Golden-brown/tan base color with bold, dark brown to black horizontal transverse bars spaced regularly. The edges of the vanes often show a slight reddish or mahogany wash. The rachis is light tan to cream.

Mainly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamics, though the base (calamus area) shows loose, plumulaceous barbs. The barbs are stiff and durable. No specialize comb-like edges are present.

The surface is smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy. It has a dry, durable feel typical of ground-dwelling birds that must withstand brush and vegetation.

Transverse dark banding on a golden-brown background, extreme length relative to width, and a stiff, thick central rachis.

Open country, agricultural fields, grasslands, hedgerows, and brushy edges. They prefer areas with tall grass or crops for cover and nearby nesting sites.

Native to Asia but widely introduced across North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania. They are year-round residents in temperate zones and do not typically migrate.

Generalist foragers that consume seeds, insects, and grain. They serve as a significant prey source for raptors, foxes, and coyotes. As an introduced species, they occupy a niche similar to native grouse.

Lady Amherst's Pheasant (more white/black), Golden Pheasant (more orange/red), and Wild Turkey (wider, different banding pattern).

The Ring-necked Pheasant is the state bird of South Dakota. Despite their bright colors, they are remarkably good at hiding in tall grass. They were first successfully introduced to North America in the Willamette Valley of Oregon in 1881.

Good to Excellent. The barbs are mostly intact with minimal sign of fault bars or wear. There is slight fraying at the very tip, suggesting the bird was active in heavy cover before the feather was molted.