Pheasants are medium-sized birds that belong to the Phasianidae family. While there are over 50 species of pheasants, one of the most common and recognizable is the ring-necked pheasant. As the name suggests, ring-necked pheasants can be identified by the white ring around their necks. However, there are a few other distinctive features that can help you determine whether a pheasant is a ring-neck.
Distinguishing Physical Characteristics
Here are some of the key physical characteristics to look for to identify a ring-necked pheasant:
White ring around neck
The most obvious identifier is the thin white band around the neck, which contrasts sharply with the iridescent reddish-bronze plumage on the rest of the body. In males, the ring is much more prominent compared to females. The ring goes all the way around the neck and may break slightly in the back.
Red cheek patches
Male ring-necked pheasants have bright crimson cheek patches on the sides of their face. These patches are less defined in females. The red cheek patches combined with the white neck ring make the head very distinctive.
Blue-green head
Apart from the red cheek patches and white neck ring, the head is colored blue-green with a purple sheen. Again, this coloration is more vibrant and iridescent in males compared to females.
Bronze body plumage
The plumage on the breast, back, wings and tail is a mix of rich coppery reds, bronzes and browns with a metallic sheen. The breast feathers have a scaly appearance. The plumage helps provide camouflage when the bird is on the ground.
Long tapered tail
Ring-necked pheasants have a long wedge-shaped tail that is marked with narrow black bands and is bronze-green in color. The long tail comprises around one-third of the total body length.
Yellow legs
Their legs are yellowish in color, which distinguishes them from other pheasants that may have greyish, bluish or reddish legs. The ring-neck’s legs also have faint white feathering on the upper sections.
Size
Ring-necked pheasants are medium-sized, measuring 18 to 30 inches in length with a wingspan of 24 to 35 inches. They weigh between 1.5 to 3 pounds. The male pheasants are noticeably bigger than the females.
Range and Habitat
Knowing where ring-necked pheasants are found and their preferred habitats can also aid identification:
Native and introduced ranges
Ring-necked pheasants are native to Asia, including China, Russia, Korea and Japan. However, they have been introduced as game birds to North America, Hawaii and parts of Europe and Australia, where feral populations are now established.
Open habitats
Ring-necked pheasants thrive in open habitats like grasslands, agricultural fields, meadows, wetlands and lightly wooded areas. They avoid dense forested areas as they prefer open ground where they can easily walk and forage.
Near water
They are often found close to sources of water like wetlands, streams, irrigation ditches and farm ponds. Easy access to water helps them stay hydrated.
Mild climates
Ring-necked pheasants fare best in mild temperate climates neither too hot nor too cold. They can withstand cold winters but require adequate winter cover. Excessive heat, drought or severe winters can impact populations.
Behavior and Characteristics
Certain behaviors can also help confirm ring-necked pheasant sightings:
Strong, direct flight
Ring-necked pheasants have a strong, fast and direct flight. Their large wings produce a loud whirring or whistling sound as they take off. They tend to fly low and usually only make short flights.
Runs through vegetation
When startled, ring-necked pheasants prefer to run and hide rather than fly. They use their strong legs to quickly navigate through grass and vegetation often holding their tail upright.
Roosts on the ground
Unlike many other bird species, ring-necked pheasants roost for the night on the ground in dense grass or brush rather than tree branches. During cold winters, they may burrow into the snow to stay warm.
Loud alarm call
Ring-necked pheasants use a loud, repetitive harsh “kak-kak-kak” alarm call to warn other birds of potential danger. Both males and females make this call when disturbed.
Distinctive tracks
Their tracks on muddy or snowy ground can help identify ring-necked pheasants. They leave two-toed prints, with their narrow hind toe sitting noticeably higher than the front three toes.
Diet
Ring-necked pheasants are omnivores and eat a diverse range of foods:
Seeds and grains
Seeds and grains from crops like corn, wheat, oats, beans and peas form a major part of their diet, especially in agricultural areas. They swallow small pebbles to help grind up grains in their crop.
Leaves and berries
They also feed on the leaves, shoots and berries of various plants like skunk cabbage, sumac, blackberry, apple and grape.
Insects
During spring and summer, ring-necked pheasants eat more protein-rich foods like insects including beetles, flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars and worms.
Crops and waste grain
Waste grain left in agricultural fields after harvest provides an abundant food source. They may also damage crops by digging up newly planted seeds and eating ripening ears of corn and other vegetables.
| Food type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Seeds and grains | Corn, wheat, oats |
| Berries and fruits | Blackberries, apples, grapes |
| Leaves and shoots | Skunk cabbage, sumac |
| Insects and worms | Beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers |
Conclusion
In summary, the key physical features that distinguish ring-necked pheasants include the white neck ring, red cheek patches, iridescent blue-green head, bronze plumage, yellow legs and long tail. Knowing their typical habitats, behaviors and diet can also aid identification. Being aware of these visual cues and characteristics will help you positively identify ring-necked pheasants in the wild. Proper identification allows birders and hunters to appreciate these unique game birds.
