A non-native species, these beautiful birds were introduced to Michigan in the early 1900s and flourished from there. Unlike most wildlife, they depend on humans for an important part of their habitat, frequenting farmers fields and thriving off of the leftover grains and stalks through the winter. Farming practices have changed over the years to increase efficiency, however this leaves little behind for the wild birds to scavenge through and less insects in the summer to hunt.
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The wild population is not what it once was, but programs pen raise these birds for wild release as well as preserve hunting. Outside of Michigan, further west in Minnesota and the Dakotas, Pheasants thrive in the vast farmlands and field edges.
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The wild population is not what it once was, but programs pen raise these birds for wild release as well as preserve hunting. Outside of Michigan, further west in Minnesota and the Dakotas, Pheasants thrive in the vast farmlands and field edges.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Scouse Smurf
