The Ringneck Pheasant is easily identifiable by the presence of a white ring around its neck. What many people may not know is that only the male has this marking. Females lack the white ring from which this species gets its name. There are over 20 different subspecies of Ringneck pheasant and they all bear a slightly different appearance. Because the males and females are sexually dimorphic they will be described separately. Aside from the missing white ring the females are generally smaller than males, measuring an average 25 inches at maturity. Females also have duller coloration than males. Their plumage is buff colored with black and brown speckles. Females will usually attain their adult coloration by 1 year of age. Males have striking red wattles and their face is also a bright red color. The males also have feathers, which stick out at the base of the crown, these feathers are often said to look like small horns. The male's tail is also longer than the female's and it has black stripes across it. The male will grow to an average length of 35 inches at maturity. In addition to regional differences, because this species has been bred in captivity for so long there are several different color and size variations such as the Green or Black Mutant and the Jumbo variety. Other ornamental colors are becoming more and more common and these include white, buff, cinnamon, platinum, pied, red and chocolate.
Simon Clark - Sports Writer: Bleasdale bags bronze in Turkey
PRESTON-BORN pole vault sensation Holly Bleasdale brought home the Bronze medal to conclude a superb weekend for Team GB at the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Istanbul. It capped off a fantastic week for the ... Continue reading
The Ringneck Pheasant is easily identifiable by the presence of a white ring around its neck. What many people may not know is that only the male has this marking. Females lack the white ring from which this species gets its name. There are over 20 different subspecies of Ringneck pheasant and they all bear a slightly different appearance. Because the males and females are sexually dimorphic they will be described separately. Aside from the missing white ring the females are generally smaller than males, measuring an average 25 inches at maturity. Females also have duller coloration than males. Their plumage is buff colored with black and brown speckles. Females will usually attain their adult coloration by 1 year of age. Males have striking red wattles and their face is also a bright red color. The males also have feathers, which stick out at the base of the crown, these feathers are often said to look like small horns. The male's tail is also longer than the female's and it has black stripes across it. The male will grow to an average length of 35 inches at maturity. In addition to regional differences, because this species has been bred in captivity for so long there are several different color and size variations such as the Green or Black Mutant and the Jumbo variety. Other ornamental colors are becoming more and more common and these include white, buff, cinnamon, platinum, pied, red and chocolate.