The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a common, non-native game bird, recognized by the striking difference between the male and female. This chicken-like bird was introduced from Asia and is now a familiar sight in agricultural fields and brushy areas. Pheasants are large ground-dwellers with notably long tails, but the plumage varies dramatically between the sexes.
The Distinctive Male Appearance
The male pheasant, or rooster, is an ornamental bird with a spectacular display of color and iridescence. His head is a deep, metallic green or bluish-black, sharply contrasted by the scarlet red patches of bare skin, known as wattles, which surround the eyes. These wattles are especially noticeable during the spring breeding season.
The neck often features the iconic white ring or collar, which gives the species its common name, though this ring is not present on every subspecies. Below the collar, the body plumage erupts into a mosaic of iridescent bronze, gold, and copper hues. Feathers across the chest and flanks are speckled with black and white markings, contributing to a rich, scaled appearance.
Small, pointed feather tufts, sometimes called “ear tufts,” are visible on the sides of the head. The male’s legs are equipped with sharp spurs, which are bony projections used in territorial disputes. This combination of vivid colors and distinct physical features makes the male unmistakable and highly visible.
The Cryptic Female Appearance
The female pheasant, or hen, presents a stark visual contrast to the male, with coloration optimized for blending into the environment. Her plumage consists primarily of mottled browns, buffs, and blacks, creating a cryptic pattern that helps conceal her from predators. This subdued appearance is essential for nesting survival while incubating eggs.
From a distance, the hen appears dull or plain brown, but closer inspection reveals a complex mix of dark brown patches on lighter buff-brown feathers. The feathers often have darker markings in the center with lighter edges, resulting in an all-over speckled effect. The female lacks the male’s vibrant head colors, red wattles, and the white neck ring.
The hen’s head is a paler, mottled brown, often with a slight eye stripe, and her chest is typically a pale buff-brown. Her coloration provides effective camouflage against the undergrowth and hedgerows. She is generally smaller and lighter than the male, with a shorter tail.
Key Identification Features and Size
Both male and female pheasants are large, chicken-like birds characterized by a long, pointed tail. The tail is a defining feature, often barred with thin black lines, and makes up a significant portion of the bird’s total length. Adult males range from 30 to 36 inches in length, while the female is noticeably shorter, measuring between 21 and 25 inches.
Physical size differs significantly between the sexes; males average around 2.9 pounds, and females average about 2.1 pounds. When on the ground, pheasants primarily walk or run. When startled, they burst almost vertically into flight with a distinct, loud flapping of their short, rounded wings, typically flying only for short distances and reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour.