The call of the male ring-necked pheasant is one of the most characteristic sounds of the countryside. Ring-necked pheasants are large, colorful gamebirds that were originally introduced to North America from Asia but are now well-established across much of the continent. The male pheasant produces a loud, repetitive crowing sound to define his territory and attract females during the breeding season. This distinctive call can carry over long distances and is easily recognizable to those familiar with North America’s wildlife.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the male pheasant’s call, looking at the context in which it is made, its purpose, the sounds involved, and how it varies across different pheasant species. Whether you are an avid birder, hunter, naturalist, or simply appreciate the diverse sounds of nature, learning more about the ring-necked pheasant’s crow will give you a deeper appreciation of these striking gamebirds.
When and Why Do Male Pheasants Call?
The primary purpose of the male ring-necked pheasant’s call is to mark and defend its breeding territory. Male pheasants begin crowing in late winter or early spring to establish territories that may cover around 40 acres. They will defend this area from rival males in preparation for attracting females during the April-June breeding season.
Crowing is most frequent just before sunrise and continues intermittently through mid-morning. Calls are also made frequently in the evening leading up to sunset. This dawn and dusk crowing advertises the presence and dominance of the male pheasant throughout its territory.
During the peak breeding season, males will continue crowing during the day when females are likely to be feeding. Shorter crowing displays may also be made to flush outrival males or when reacting to disturbances from predators. The frequent repetition of crows is thought to reflect the male’s hormonal state, stamina and overall fitness as a mate.
The Structure and Sounds of the Ring-Necked Pheasant Call
The typical crowing sequence of a male ring-necked pheasant lasts around 2-3 seconds and is composed of two distinctive parts:
1. The Cackle
This begins the call and includes a rapid series of short, hard notes. These accelerate slightly before ending abruptly after about 1 second. The cackle is thought to be produced by the rapid opening and closing of membranes in the pharynx.
2. The Kraa
This follows immediately after the cackle and is a longer, louder and harsher sound lasting 1.5 – 2 seconds. The kraa is produced by vibrations of the pheasant’s larynx and vocal chords. This final flourish advertises the location of the male pheasant.
A full crowing sequence therefore generates 2-3 seconds of loud, raucous sounds with an increasing tempo. The male may repeat this 4-12 times in quick succession, resulting in a cacophony that carries some distance. Spacing between crowing bursts is highly variable but may be just 2-3 seconds apart during the peak mating season.
Here is an audio clip of a typical ring-necked pheasant call:
[Insert audio clip of pheasant call]
Visually, the crowing display involves the male puffing out his feathers, extending his neck, tilting his tail upwards, and rapidly beating his wings against his body upon each cackle. This visual display adds further emphasis when attracting females and intimidating rival males.
Variations in Call Structure Across Pheasant Species
While the typical ring-necked pheasant crow is described above, calls do vary somewhat across the 35-50 recognized subspecies. Calls also differ between some other members of the Phasianidae pheasant family. Some notable variations include:
Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant
The original ancestor of the North American population. Their call sounds higher pitched and more delicate with a less abrupt ending to the cackle.
Black-necked Pheasant
Native to parts of China and Taiwan. Their call has a faster tempo with a more drawn-out kraa.
Green Pheasant
Native to East Asia. They produce a three-part crow, adding a final clicking sound after the kraa.
Lady Amherst’s Pheasant
Native to parts of Southeast Asia. Their call is a much faster kuk-kuk-kuk without the drawn out kraa.
Golden Pheasant
Native to forests of Western China. Their call is a sharp, repeated ki-ki-ki-ki becoming higher pitched.
As you listen to different pheasant species, the unique tempo, pitch, harshness and additional sounds in their calls become apparent. The male ring-necked pheasant’s double cackle-kraa crow is however among the loudest and most distinctive.
Conclusion
The iconic call of the male ring-necked pheasant is a classic sound of the countryside in many parts of North America. With a loud, raucous two-part structure, repeated in rapid bursts across their breeding territory, their crowing plays an essential role in spring courtship displays. This call varies across the numerous pheasant species, containing unique flourishes that scientists continue to study further. Whatever its exact structure, hearing the determined crowing of pheasants on a spring morning will reinforce your connection to the diverse wildlife found across this continent.