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Ring-necked Pheasant

(Phasianus colchicus)

Size:

  • Male 33 in. (84 cm); female 21 in. (53 cm).
  • Weighs 2 to 3 lb. (1 to 1 1/3 kg).

Distribution in North America:

range map

Male and female pheaants - photo by OK wildlifedepartment.com

Ring-neck pheasant photo by Iowa

Habitat:

  • Cultivated farmland, especially grain fields and shrub growth.
  • They eat a variety of plants, insects, and weed and grain seeds.

Notes:

  • Makes a loud crowing sound that is often a double squawk. Crowing usually occurs at dawn and dusk, but may occur at any time.
  • In summer, can be found in family groups, but hens band together in the fall and winter while roosters remain mostly solitary in winter.

Be sure to check local regulations for hunting or trapping information on this species.

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