My uncle was a serious Pheasant hunter in KS back in the day. One time I asked him for a few of that tail feathers, and told him the feathers were going for about $1 each at the fly shop at the time. Then we discussed the cost of a Phesant pelt - $30 each without the tail. He lamented he must have thrown thrown away a small house worth of Pheasant feathers over time. The tail is the main ingredient for the Pheasant tail nymph. Great fly for bluegill if tied in size 10.

There are also some very colorful marabou type feathers that work great for jigs. I also use them as a soft hackle on larger flies. Lots of movement in the water.