Are Pheasants Native to North America?
Pheasants are not native to North America. These colorful game birds, commonly seen across various landscapes, were introduced to the continent through human efforts. Their presence in the wild today is a result of intentional releases over centuries. This introduction has allowed them to become a well-established part of the North American fauna.
Pheasant Origins and Introduction to North America
The common pheasant, specifically the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), originated in Asia, with its native range extending across central and eastern Asia, including China and Japan, and into the northern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in Europe. Historically, pheasants were introduced to Europe much earlier, with the Romans instrumental in their spread across Western Europe. This long history of human-assisted dispersal set the stage for their eventual arrival in the Americas.
Initial attempts to introduce pheasants to North America occurred as early as 1773 when Old English Blackneck Pheasants were brought to New York and New Hampshire. These early efforts were largely unsuccessful, with the birds failing to establish self-sustaining populations. The significant and successful introduction is attributed to Owen Nickerson Denny, US Consul General in Shanghai.
In 1881, Denny shipped 60 Chinese Ring-necked Pheasants from Shanghai to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, with subsequent successful releases in 1882 and 1884. These introductions were primarily for sport hunting and aesthetic purposes. The Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant proved to be hardy and adaptable, thriving in the Oregon landscape and eventually spreading across the continent.
Pheasants in North America Today
Today, ring-necked pheasants are widely distributed across North America, having been introduced into at least 40 states and southern Canada. They are particularly abundant in the grain-producing regions of the Midwest, where they find suitable habitat. The ring-necked pheasant holds the distinction of being the state bird of South Dakota.
Pheasants typically inhabit diverse semi-open environments, including agricultural fields, grasslands, and areas with mixed crops and brushy cover. They often utilize hedgerows, shelterbelts, and the edges between different habitats for protection and foraging. Their diet is omnivorous and adapts seasonally, primarily consisting of waste grains like corn, wheat, and oats, as well as weed seeds, roots, and berries. Insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and various caterpillars, form a significant part of their diet, especially for young chicks. Pheasants are ground feeders, scratching for food.