Adult male is nearly unmistakable, with golden-orange plumage, extremely long pointed tail, green head, red facial skin, white neck collar, and fine black spots on underparts. Female is much drabber, buffy-orange and light brown overall, with relatively long pointed tail, fine black barring on wings, black spots on sides and flanks, and pale, plain head. In flight, note long wedge-shaped tail. Occasional males lack white neck collar, have white wings, or have green body plumage.

Length: 76 (cm) Wingspan: 79 (cm)

Voice:

Loud, distinctive, wheezy, two-note call that sounds vaguely like antique train whistle, with accent on first syllable. Also a variety of cackles and clucks.

Habitat:

Open, grassy fields, lowlands, agricultural land.

Behavior:

Walks along ground, often concealed by tall grasses. Nest is a lined depression under grass or shrub. Introduced; released in many areas. Popularly hunted game bird. When flushed, explodes from the grass and then makes a long direct flight low to the ground, often gliding before landing.

Feeding:

Forages on ground; eats a variety of nuts, seeds, berries, and insects. Sometimes visits bird feeders for spilled seed, especially cracked corn.