Bird identification

Factual Questions
1

Just a few minutes ago, I saw this bird in the small “greenbelt” (really just a horribly unkempt backyard) behind my apartment building.

I’d guess it stood about 18-20 inches tall, and it was the size of it that struck me more than anything (that’s what she said). I’m no bird expert, but I’ve definitely never seen a bird anything like this around here.

The picture is kind of blurry, I didn’t have time to get a better shot before it ran off, but I think it gives you a decent idea of what it looks like.

The picture was taken in San Francisco.

Imgur

2

Looks like a turkey to me. Female.

3

Here’s some reference pictures:
http://www.northrup.org/photos/turkey/

4

That could definitely be it.

Thanks.

5

To me it has more of a pheasant look.

6

Given San Francisco, go with turkey. Turkeys have become quite common in the SF Bay Area. Common enough that they are being considered nuisances in some places.

7

Turkeys are just oversized pheasants.

8

It’s very definitely not a turkey. Turkeys have rounded tails, have a bare head, and are solid brown, none of which applies to the bird in the photo.

Female Wild Turkey.

The bird in the photo is a female Ring-necked Pheasant, based on the pointed, barred tail, spotting on the back, and feathered head.

Female Ring-necked Pheasant.