Bird
Ring-necked Pheasant
Flashy, grounded, full of surprises
Struttin’ Grounds
Ring-necked pheasants aren’t native to Maine, but they’ve settled in nicely. You can spot them year-round in southern parts of the state, where they’re stocked annually as a game bird. Their habitat of choice is open grasslands where they can strut, forage, and keep an eye out for trouble.
That Ring-necked Life
Before it became Maine Wildlife Park, thousands of pheasants were raised here each year on a working pheasant farm. As ground birds, pheasants rely on strong legs to sprint away from danger, taking flight only in short, explosive bursts.
Quick Facts
Average Size
Pheasants stretch about 2 feet long, but don’t miss that tail. During breeding season, males add nearly another foot of dramatic flair. With a 2-3 foot wingspan, they’re roughly mallard-sized, even if they’d rather run than fly.
What's on the Menu
Mostly plants like grains, seeds, berries, and other vegetation. They’ll occasionally snack on insects and small invertebrates, but who doesn’t?
The Look
Males are hard to miss, sporting long pointed tails, a crisp white “ring-neck” collar, and heads that shimmer from glossy green to deep purple depending on the light. Females take the opposite approach – mottled brown feathers help them blend seamlessly into grasses and fields.
