Pheasants are characterised by strong sexual dimorphism, with males being highly ornate with bright colours and adornments such as wattles and long tails. Males (pictured) are usually larger than the females, and have longer tails.

There are 35 species of pheasant in 11 different genera. The best-known is the Common pheasant which is widespread throughout the world in introduced feral populations and in farm operations. Various other pheasant species are popular in aviaries, such as the Golden Pheasant.

In many countries pheasant species are hunted, often illegally, as game, and several species are threatened by this and other human activities such as illegal logging and habitat loss.

The deep orange "cape" can be spread in display, appearing as an alternating black and orange fan that covers all of the face except its bright yellow eye, with a pinpoint black pupil.