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Introduced from Asia to North America in the
late 1800's, this popular gamebird is raised commercially and released
in the Imperial Valley before the local hunting season.
Those that escape the hunters with their dogs and are able to survive being eaten by local predators, such as the coyote and bobcat, have established a population large enough to make this beautiful bird a year-round resident. Since many farmers cut their hay during the
night, you can spot this bird in the early morning hours looking for an
new place to hide.
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If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.htmlThey present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Ring-Necked Pheasant
OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:
Pheasant Facts - Beautiful photos of male and female, eggs in nest, and a nestling are displayed with lots of information by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources "Wildlife Bureau" Web site.
Pheasants Forever - dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, public awareness, and education.
This site is maintained by:
Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us