Ring-necked pheasant

The ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, prefers diversified agricultural and grain-producing regions. In Utah the best populations are found in irrigated areas.

Males reach a length of 34 inches or more; the tail may exceed 20 inches when fully developed. They weigh from 2.5 to 3 pounds when fully mature. Hens are about 24 inches long, half of which is tail, and weigh about two pounds. Plumage of the male is gaudy and brilliant. Prominent characteristics are a greenish-blue head, a white ring around the neck, a pale bluish rump patch, and a long, pointed tail barred with black. Coloration of the female is more drab with a mottled blend of browns with buff and dusky markings