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Menu: Description
Range
and Distribution
Reproductive
characteristics
Habitat Requirements
Diet
Predators
Management
Literature
Cited |
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Diet Ring-neck pheasant consume a variety of foods, because they are very adaptable
(Giudice and Ratti 2001). Some of the different types of forage consumed are: corn, wheat,
soybeans, barley (Hordeum vulgare), sorghum, rye (Secale cereale), and
alfalfa (Giudice and Ratti 2001). Some weed seeds that are consumed include: ragweed (Ambrosia
spp.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), dayflower (Commelina communis),
and skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) (Giudice and Ratti 2001). Fruits that
they consume are: wild grape (Vittis spp.), nightshade (Solanum dulcamara),
hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), apple (Malus spp.), and acorns (Quercus
spp.). These fruits are good forage in the fall and early winter (Giudice and Ratti 2001).
Quality insects that they can consume include: grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Locustidae),
beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars (Lepidoptera), crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), ants
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae), snails (Gastropoda), and earthworms (Oligochaeta) (Giudice and
Ratti 2001). Female pheasant consume more snails, insects, and eggshells during her egg
laying process (Giudice and Ratti 2001).
Higher populations of pheasants are found where water is
accessible (Giudice and Ratti 2001). Pheasants can obtain water threw dew and insects
(Giudice and Ratti 2001). Obtaining water through insects is important for chick
pheasants, especially in drought years (Giudice and Ratti 2001). |
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