Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

The state bird of South Dakota, and for good reason (economically anyway).  Ring-necked Pheasant hunting in the state is renowned, attracting thousands of out of state hunters and bringing millions of dollars of revenue into the state.  The Ring-necked Pheasant is an introduced species, native to Asia.  It was first introduced into the United States in 1857, and has become well established throughout much of the Midwest, the Plains states, and parts of the West.  The photo on the right shows a mature male and a female.

Habitat: Nearly all open upland habitat in the state, including farm fields, rangeland, brush, woodland edges, hedgerows. 

Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on grains, seeds, roots, berries, buds, acorns, insects, earthworms, snails, and occasionally mice, snakes, and frogs.

Behavior: Nearly always forages on the ground, often scratching on the ground with feet or bill to find food. 

Nesting: May through June

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Harsh croaking notes when alarmed.  Males make loud crowing khaaaa-cack. 

Migration: Permanent Resident

Similar Species: Males enerally distinctive.  Females could possibly be confused with Sharp-tailed Grouse or Greater Prairie Chicken.

Status: Abundant and widespread

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ring-necked Pheasant

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Ring-necked Pheasant"

3) E-nature.com: Ring-necked Pheasant

Photo Information: February 16th, 2004 -- Near Presho -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ring-necked Pheasant photos.