Ring Necked Pheasant - II

The second "5" Star Ring Necked Pheasant photo comes from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Northern California. However, Ring Necked Pheasants aren't native in North America --- Originally, they were only native in Asia. However, it is the most popular game bird in the world so many were brought to the northern parts of the US specifically for hunting. In many areas, the birds are bred and then release for hunting. Many generations of those that weren't kill (feral birds) have become so plentiful in the US that they are assumed to be native. Many have found their way to protected areas such as Sacramento NWR.

 I particularly like the close up which shows the detail and coloration of this beautiful bird.

Ring Necked Pheasant