Ring Necked Pheasant

1. Bird Name: The common name for this fascinating bird is Ring-necked Pheasant. The scientific name is Phasianus colchicus.

2. Appearance: The Ring-necked Pheasant is a striking bird known for its flamboyant plumage. The male, or cock, has a richly colored coat. He flaunts a metallic, iridescent green head, white neck-ring, red eye patches and a long, pointed, dark-feathered tail. The body is covered with diverse patterns and coloring such as burgundy, golden, rusty, grey, and brown. The beak is short and strong. The female, or hen, is much less showy, with mottled brown feathers perfect for blending into their environment. Both sexes have powerful leg muscles and long sharp claws, any predator’s nightmare.

3. Size: The average length of a male Ring-necked Pheasant is between 60-89 cm (24-35 inches), inclusive of the long tail, whereas females are shorter at around 50-63 cm (20-25 inches). The wingspan can stretch from 70-90 cm (27.5-35.5 inches). Typically, a male weighs between 0.9 and 1.3kg (2-3lb), while a female weighs slightly less, averaging 0.7 to 1.1kg (1.5-2.4lb).

4. Habitat & Distribution: Originally native to Asia, these birds have been introduced to many other parts of the world including North America, Europe, and Australia. They are found particularly in the northern parts of the United States and southern parts of Canada. Ring-necked Pheasants prefer agricultural land, grasslands, wetlands and woodland edges.

5. Interesting Facts: Ring-necked Pheasants are decidedly non-migratory. They have an interesting behavior called “dusting,” where they toss dust onto their feathers—possibly to control parasites. The bird also has cultural significance; it is the state bird of South Dakota, and holds important status in Chinese, Indian, and Persian tapestries, and paintings as a symbol of nobility.

6. Diet: Ring-necked Pheasants are omnivores. Their diet mainly consists of seeds and grains, but they will also feed on insects, berries, roots, and small vertebrates when available.

7. Behaviour & Sounds: Males are known for their courtship behavior, which includes a loud, squawking call, fanning tail feathers, and rapid wing-beating. The sound of a male pheasant’s call can be described as a loud, quick “korrk-kokk-kokk.”

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Ring-necked Pheasant is listed as a species of “Least Concern” because it has a large, stable population.

9. Lifespan: The average lifespan of Ring-necked Pheasants in the wild ranges between 1-3 years due to predation and habitat loss, however, in protected environments, they can live up to 7-10 years.

10. Additional Notes: Ring-necked Pheasants play a crucial role in their ecosystem, primarily through their diet, helping with seed dispersal and pest control. These birds are also popular targets for hunting in some regions, contributing to local economies. Additionally, in Chinese and Mexican culture, this bird is seen as a symbol of good fortune.