Pheasant

Ring-necked Pheasant also known as Phasianus Colchicus, part of the Phasianidae family, is an introduced species, native to Asia. It was first brought into the country in 1857 and now can be found throughout the midwest, the plains states, and parts of the west. Ring-Necked phesants' habitat includes all upland habitat including farm fields, rageland, brush, woodland edges and hedgerows. They are omnivorous, feeding on grains, roots, seeds, berries, buds, acorns, insects, earthworms, snails, and occasionally mice, snakes, and frogs. They can almost always be found foraging on the ground, scratching with their feet or bill to find food. Nesting habits are usually in ditches or heavily prairie grassed fields. There are 6-15 Bluff Olive colored eggs. They breed May through June. When alarmed, Pheasants will make a loud croaking noise like a kaaaaa cack! Male Pheasants can easily be identified yet females can often be assumed to be sharp-tailed grouse or the Greater Prairie Chicken. Phesants have a long tail often cocked at an angle and their wings are rather long and rounded in flight. They are around 50-70cm (20-28inches), their wingspan is some where from 22-34 inches, and weigh anywhere from 17 ounces to 105 ounces.

I believe that there is plenty of evidence in the Ames High Prairie to support my thought of pheasants living in our prairie. Since Pheasants are very skiddish, it is hard to see them but hearing them shouldn't be a problem. All it takes is, a camara, some time, and a lot of quietness and soon enough, you will find your own evidence of the Chinese Ring-Necked Pheasant too.