The Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) is a large bird that inhabits farmlands, pastures, and fields. You will see them in grassy areas surrounding woodlands. They are approximately 34 inches long; a little larger than a chicken. The tail is long, sweeping and pointed. The male has a red eye patch and iridescent green head. There is usually a white ring around the neck. The rest of the bird is a russet reddish brown. The female is a mottled brown and has a shorter tail.

The nest is built on the ground in dense grass. It is a grass-lined depression where anywhere from 8 to 15 grayish olive eggs are laid. The female incubates the eggs for from 22 to 27 days.

Pheasants feed on a diet of berries, seeds, buds and leaves. These birds were introduced into North American from Eurasia. Their lifespan is from 10 to 25 years.

Photos from Nova Development Art Explosion.

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Order: Galliformes | Family: Phasianidae | Species: Phasianus colchicus

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