Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

The Ring-necked Pheasant is a colorful bird with a bright neck and long tail. They love to roam around fields and gardens looking for seeds and insects to eat.

Habitat: Fields and gardens

Appearance

The Ring-necked Pheasant is famous for its vibrant male, featuring an iridescent green head, bright red wattles, and a distinct white neck ring. Its body is a mix of coppery-bronze and dark patterns, complemented by a very long, pointed tail. Females are much plainer, mottled brown for camouflage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusPhasianus

Ring-necked Pheasant

Interesting facts

A group of pheasants is called a 'bevy' or a 'covey'!

Males have sharp spurs on their legs for fighting rivals!

They were introduced to North America from Asia in the 1800s!

This bird is the state bird of South Dakota!

Special abilities

Female Ring-necked Pheasants have mottled brown feathers that help them blend perfectly into their surroundings to hide their nests.

Ring-necked Pheasants can use their strong legs and sharp eyesight to find hidden seeds and insects on the forest floor.

Male Ring-necked Pheasants have a loud, crowing call that helps them warn other males to stay away from their territory.

Measurements & details

Length: 50-89 cm
Wingspan: 70-90 cm
Weight: 0.7-1.4 kg
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Speed: 80 km/h
Clutch Size: 8-15
Incubation: 23-26 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds eat seeds, grains, berries, and insects they find on the ground.

Age differences: Chicks eat more protein-rich insects for growth.

Primary Foods

grains
seeds
berries
grasshoppers
beetles
worms

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Preys on adults and chicks.

Eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Hunts pheasants from above.

Eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

An opportunistic predator of pheasants.

Eats

Wheat

Triticum aestivum

Feeds on fallen grains in fields.

Eats

Corn

Zea mays

Consumes corn kernels as food.

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Grassland

Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Speedster

This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.

Also known as

Chinese PheasantCommon Pheasant

Collections

Birds

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Ring-necked Pheasants are friendly birds, but it's best to watch them from a distance so they feel safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Ring-necked Pheasant?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Ring-necked Pheasant?

50-89 cm

What is Ring-necked Pheasant's wingspan?

70-90 cm

How much does Ring-necked Pheasant weigh?

0.7-1.4 kg

How long does Ring-necked Pheasant live?

1-3 years

How fast can Ring-necked Pheasant move?

80 km/h

What does Ring-necked Pheasant eat?

These birds eat seeds, grains, berries, and insects they find on the ground.