Identification
There are two subspecies: the Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus takatsukasae Delacour, 1927 and the Rothschild’s Pheasant Phasianus colchicus rothschildi La touche, 1921.
The adult male has bare red skin around the face. The crown has short feathered crests, and the nape is brownish with a greenish iridescence. The forehead, narrow stripes above the eyes, chin, throat, neck, and the front of the neck are black with a greenish or purplish sheen (depending on the viewing angle). A white ring is present below the neck in the subspecies Phasianus colchicus takasukasae and absent in the subspecies Phasianus colchicus rothschild. The remaining parts of the body are generally reddish-brown and yellowish-brown with pale reddish-brown streaks and irregular black spots interspersed. The underside of the body is darker, especially on the chest. Adult females of both subspecies generally have brown plumage dotted with black spots. The eyes are reddish-brown, and the beak and legs are horn-gray.
Biology and Ecology
The specific biology and ecology is unclear. According to some hunters in Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces, the breeding season of the Ring-necked Pheasant is from February to July, sometimes extending to August. They usually lay eggs in February and March, often nesting in cogon grass hills or guột (a type of fern) hills. Each brood lays 5 oval-shaped eggs, with a large end and a small end, the eggshell is pale reddish-brown. Juvenile birds are often seen leaving the nest in July, sometimes in August. The subspecies Phasianus colchicus takatsukasae, raised in Hanoi Zoo, has a breeding season from April to June, laying 7-8 eggs per brood, oval-shaped with one large end and one small end, and a grayish-ivory shell. The incubation period is 23-24 days (Data from Hanoi Zoo, 1998-2002).
The Ring-necked Pheasant’s diet consists of grains, weed seeds, and insects. A female caught on June 15, 1965, was in the early stages of molting.
The Ring-necked Pheasant lives in pairs or small groups of 3-5 individuals; suitable habitats are low hills at an altitude of about 800-1500m, with many guột trees, cogon grass, small bushes, or sparse pine forests, not far from agricultural land, and it is never found in deep and dense forests.
Distribution
In Vietnam:
- The subspecies Phasianus colchicus takatsukasae is found in Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces.
- The subspecies Phasianus colchicus rothschildi is found in Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Bac Kan provinces.
Globally:
- The subspecies Phasianus colchicus takatsukasae is found in southern China (Guangxi).
- The subspecies Phasianus colchicus rothschildi is found in southeastern China (southeastern Yunnan province), and northeastern and northwestern Vietnam.
Value
This species is considered valuable due to its rarity, its colorful plumage, and its value as a beautiful and attractive ornamental bird, as well as its scientific, food, and commercial value. Therefore, they have long been raised in many Asian and European countries.
Status
Deforestation and habitat destruction have led to a shrinking distribution area and overhunting, resulting in a significant decline in the population. It is currently very rare.
Classification
EN B1 + 2a, b, d C2a.
Conservation Measures
It has been included in the Vietnam Red Book (1992, 2000). Effective protection measures are not high, and the recovery of the population is slow. It is necessary to increase public education in local areas to raise awareness and improve protection. The economic and technical justification for the Phia – Oac Nature Reserve should be further developed so that the reserve can be quickly established to protect the Ring-necked Pheasant belonging to the subspecies (Phasianus colchicus takatsukasae) along with many other valuable animals and birds.