Behavior and habitat preferences of ring-necked pheasants during late winter in central Utah

Authors

Jeffrey G. Skousen, Brigham Young University
Jack D. Brotherson, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Ring-necked pheasant behavior and habitat preferences were studied during late February along benches of the Wasatch Mountains in central Utah. Seven behavioral categories were used to classify pheasant activities during three time periods of the day. Eating, alert, and movement behavior were the most frequent activities during all periods of the day. Significant differences (p < .01) were found between morning and midday behavior and between midday and evening behavior. Pheasants fed in open areas during morning hours then retreated into heavy cover during midday periods. The birds remained in heavy cover until late afternoon. Pheasants then moved away from heavy cover into semiopen areas to feed as evening approached.

Recommended Citation

Skousen, Jeffrey G. and Brotherson, Jack D. (1982) "Behavior and habitat preferences of ring-necked pheasants during late winter in central Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 42: No. 4, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol42/iss4/9