there is a perfect french word, mordorée, that describes the feathers of game birds–a rich caramel color combined with glints of gold. the french use it to describe woodcock feathers, but i think the pheasant wing above fits the description as well. my husband just informed me that pheasants are actually not native to north america.  they were introduced from china in the 19th century.  i guess that makes them naturalized citizens.

male ring-necked pheasant wing

found on highway 95 along the saint croix river

marine on saint croix, minnesota