Ring Necked Pheasant

The Ring Necked Pheasant (Scientific name - Phasianus colchicum) also known as the Common Pheasant is a large game bird that is native to Asia. It is found in Asia from the Black and Caspian Seas east to China and Korea.  It has been introduced to many other parts of the world and was introduced to North America in the 1880's. It is now found throughout most of North America as far North as central British Columbia and Alberta and South into Northern Mexico. While these birds can fly, they often run on the ground when startled.

Male

The male is a very colourful bird with a red and bare face, iridescent green head, white ring around the neck and a maroon breast. Back is brown with black and white spots and the tail is long and barred. The female is plain in colour, mainly mottled brown with black spots and a long barred tail.

Top photo taken in Edison, Washington in May 2011, bottom photos taken in Langley, Washington in September 2013.

Female