Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

The bright colors and long, tapered tail of the cock ring-necked pheasant makes this bird easily identifiable. Cocks may be as long as 90 cm (36 in.). The hen is smaller and is mottled brown.

The ring-necked pheasant is a native of Japan and southern China. They were first successfully introduced into southwestern Alberta in 1908. Birds found the dense cover bordering irrigation ditches and nearby grainfields ideal habitat. They soon became common throughout central and southeastern Alberta in agricultural areas of the prairie and parkland zones.

In spring, the cock establishes a territory where he crows and beats his wings to attract a mate while warning other cocks of his presence. He may attract a harem of up to 10 hens. Nests are usually concealed near fields, often in ditches or fencerows with dense cover. Six to 12 buff eggs are incubated for 25 days. Chick mortality is high, and populations are supported by release of hatchery-raised birds. In the fall, pheasants move to areas with thick cover near stubble fields or other food sources.

Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.