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Ring-necked Pheasant
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Phasianus
Species: colchicus
Range & Habitat
Introduced to North America, but native to Asia. Their habitat consists of forest, woodland scrub, grassland, farmland and pastures.
Reproduction & Growth
The male pheasant bonds with a number of females (his harem) and guards them until any eggs are laid in ground nests. The eggs are olive in color. Males will fight furiously for their harems. The young leave the nest within a few hours; they are able to feed themselves and fly a week after birth.
Diet - Herbivores
In the Wild: Seeds, shoots, invertebrates, roots, fallen fruits
In the Zoo: Cracked corn, game bird diet
General Information
They are dimorphously colored. The female is a dull tan and almost invisible on her nest in the grasses. The male is brightly colored to attract mates and to draw attention away from the nest. Males have an extra claw (spur) on their feet, used during fights with other males. Their wings are designed for short flights. They are shy, and rarely seen. They make a call similar to an old fashion car horn. They are a popular eating bird and have been hunted in this country for years. They are also vulnerable to habitat destruction.
In the Zoo
Currently we have three Ring-necked Pheasants, one male and two females.
Click here to learn about Animal Care.
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