There are a few different birds that are known for having turquoise necks. The most common and easily recognizable bird with a turquoise neck is the male Ring-necked Pheasant. This large, brightly colored gamebird has a metallic greenish-blue ring of feathers around its neck, which can appear turquoise in certain lighting conditions. Some other birds that may display turquoise neck coloring include drake Mallards, Ruddy Ducks, and male Canvasback ducks during breeding plumage.
What is the Ring-necked Pheasant?
The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a large, attractive gamebird native to Asia but introduced and naturalized across North America, Europe, New Zealand, and elsewhere. The males are known for their colorful plumage and distinct white ring around their necks. Their overall body plumage is a mix of rich coppery browns, flecked with blacks and grays on the back and wings. Their undersides and belly are a crisp white. The head is a deep greenish-blue, and they have a prominent red facial patch around their eyes. The tail feathers are banded in orange-browns and blacks.
The females, on the other hand, have much more modest, camouflaged brown and black mottled plumage. This helps them blend into their grassland and woodland habitats when incubating eggs. Apart from the white ring around the neck, the female Ring-necked Pheasant lacks the gaudy colors of the male. Both males and females have a long tail, measuring 18–20 inches on average.
These large birds reach a mature length of about 2.5 feet (75 cm) and can weigh 2–3 pounds (1–1.5 kg). Ring-necked Pheasants have a lifespan of about 1–2 years in the wild but may live over 10 years in captivity. They typically inhabit farm edges, wetlands, grasslands, woodland openings, and other open or semi-open habitats. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and vegetation but may include insects when raising young.
Range and Habitat
Ring-necked Pheasants are native to Asia, including China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. However, they have been introduced as a game species to much of Europe, North America, South America, New Zealand, and Hawaii. They do well in areas with a mix of croplands, wetlands, grasslands, and brushy or woodland edge habitat. Their range extends across much of the U.S., southern Canada, Mexico, and throughout Europe from the UK eastward across Russia.
Importance as Gamebirds
Ring-necked Pheasants are economically important gamebirds, being hunted and raised for food across their introduced range. They are eagerly sought by sport hunters and often raised and stocked by conservation departments and on hunting preserves to provide hunting opportunities. Pheasant meat is highly-regarded, and carcasses from wild hunts are often served in restaurants. Pheasant farming is also a significant industry, providing meat and eggs for consumption. Beyond hunting, they are popular aviary birds.
Other Birds With Turquoise Neck Coloration
While the Ring-necked Pheasant is the most widespread and familiar bird bearing a turquoise neck, several other species may display similar plumage, mainly among ducks and geese:
Drake Mallards
Male Mallard ducks in breeding condition develop a distinctive green-tinged head and neck set off by a white ring. While not as bright turquoise as a Ring-necked Pheasant, their iridescent green head feathers may take on a teal-like turquoise hue in good lighting.
Canvasback
Drake Canvasbacks develop a rich chestnut-red head and neck during breeding season. Their sloping head profile can make the neck appear more greenish-blue, similar to a Mallard. They are medium-sized diving ducks that breed in prairie ponds and wetlands.
Ruddy Duck
Male Ruddy Ducks have striking breeding plumage consisting of a gleaming blue bill, solid black body, and rich reddish-brown head and neck. Their fluffy neck feathers sometimes appear more turquoise-tinged.
Wood Duck
The male Wood Duck has elegant, bold plumage marked by red eyes, an iridescent green crest, and bold white stripes. Its chest features rich, purple-tinged plumage that can shift between violet, teal, and turquoise hues.
Mandarin Duck
The introduced Mandarin Duck of Asia has been spotted in the wild in North America and Europe. The male has a red bill, large white cheek patches, and a red forehead and whiskers contrasting with turquoise face feathers surrounding the eyes.
Conclusion
The brilliant turquoise neck plumage found on certain ducks and pheasants mainly serves as ornamentation to attract mates. Of all the birds bearing such coloration, the Ring-necked Pheasant is undoubtedly the most widespread and familiar species with bright turquoise neck feathers, apart from more localized ducks that may display similar hues. The Pheasant’s distinct white neck ring and iridescent greenish-blue neck make it easy to identify. So next time you spot a flash of turquoise feathers grazing in a field, take a closer look – it just might be a colorful Ring-necked Pheasant.