They have long, strong legs with four-toed clawed feet. The legs and bill are adapted to scratching in the ground for food. Many species have combs, wattles, and naked areas of bare skin around the eyes. Some have spurs which are used in battles for dominance. Most are large birds with very long, pointed tails.
Wings are short, rounded and curved.
The wings fit close to the body. Pheasants are able to fly swiftly, but cannot sustain flight for very long. Males are much larger than females and are more highly colored. Pheasants nest on the ground and lay 10-12 eggs. The female incubates the eggs and cares for the precocial young.