Life List 095
Visually documented
Ring-necked Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
- First photographed
- June 28, 2026
- First location
- Utah, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Ring-necked Pheasant portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Phasianus colchicus
Overview
The Ring-necked Pheasant is an Asian gamebird introduced widely outside its native range. It spends most of its time on the ground and bursts into rapid, noisy flight when flushed.
Identification
Adult males have an iridescent green head, red facial skin, white neck ring in many populations, rich copper body, and very long barred tail. Females are mottled tan and brown with a shorter but still pointed tail.
Range
Native across temperate Asia and introduced across Europe, North America, and other regions. In North America it is established mainly in agricultural and grassland landscapes.
Habitat
Crop fields, grasslands, weedy ditches, shelterbelts, marsh edges, and brushy cover in farm country.
Diet
Seeds, grain, shoots, berries, insects, and other small invertebrates; chicks rely heavily on animal prey.
Photography by Brittany Templin
Bring the story of the Ring-necked Pheasant into your project or space.
Continue exploring
Related encounters
102
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo