Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicusOrder: GALLIFORMESFamily: Turkeys and Grouse (Phasianidae)

Overview

Ring-necked Pheasant: Large, chicken-like pheasant with metallic-brown body, iridescent green head, white neck ring, and bright red eye patch and wattles. The tail is very long and pointed. It was first introduced to California from Asia as a game bird in 1857. Very popular bird for hunting.

Range and Habitat

Ring-necked Pheasant: Native to Asia; introduced to British Columbia, Alberta, Minnesota, Ontario, and Maritime Provinces south to central California, Oklahoma, and Maryland. Preferred habitats include farmlands, pastures, and grassy woodland edges.

Listen:

Voice Text

"caw-cawk"

Ring-necked Pheasant

● Song: "caw-cawk"

● Foraging & Feeding: Ring-necked Pheasant: Eats waste grain, seeds, and plant parts. In spring and summer, insects and other arthropods are important foods, especially for chicks; forages mostly on the ground by scratching and grazing.

● Breeding & nesting: Ring-necked Pheasant: Ten to twelve dark green buff or brown olive eggs are laid in a grass-lined ground depression concealed in dense grass or weeds. Incubation ranges from 23 to 25 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Ring-necked Pheasant: Male is unmistakable. Female Sharp-tailed Grouse is shorter-necked, has a slight crest, white outer tail feathers, shorter tail, and feathered legs. Female Sage Grouse has dark belly patch and feathered legs.

Flight Pattern

Swift direct flight with strong wing beats.

● Range & Habitat: Ring-necked Pheasant: Native to Asia; introduced to British Columbia, Alberta, Minnesota, Ontario, and Maritime Provinces south to central California, Oklahoma, and Maryland. Preferred habitats include farmlands, pastures, and grassy woodland edges.

^BreedingPolygamous, Loose colonies

^PopulationCommon to fairly common

^MigrationNonmigratory

^Weight46.4 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America