Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Ring-necked Pheasants are an introduced species from Asia. Occasional escapes from hunt clubs may be seen throughout North Carolina, but these are not countable according to ABA rules. The only countable, self-sustaining populations of pheasants in the state are on the Core Banks from Portsmouth Island south to Cape Lookout. For most of the 20th century (until ~1991), however, pheasants were established on Hatteras Island from Pea Island to Hatteras Inlet.
Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
S. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC
19 July 2008

These very attractive game birds are most easily seen on the Core Banks by slowly driving the "back road" from one end of the island to the other. Note that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on the islands. Ferry services can be found from Atlantic, NC and from Davis, NC.

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
S. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC
18 July 2008

A typical view from the vehicle.

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) tracks
S. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC
18 July 2008

With smaller Mourning Dove tracks.


Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Missoula Co., MT
20 Apr 2014

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Created on ... July 27, 2008 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com