Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

Originally a native of China, this bird has thrived in the farmlands of North America. The pheasant takes off with rapid and noisy wingbeats, and then glides to cover.

Look For : A chickenlike, reddish-bronze bird with very long and pointed tail feathers. The male has bright red skin around its eyes, an iridescent green head, and a white ring around its neck. Females and juveniles are a speckled buff brown.

Length : Male: 30-36". Female: 21-24".

Habitat : Farmlands, meadows, grasslands.

Range : Southern Canada, across much of northern U.S., and into Southwest.