South Dakota State Bird: Ring-necked pheasant
Scientific Name: Phasianus colchicus
State Bird Description: The Common Pheasant also often referred to as a ring necked pheasant is a popular game bird in the United States which is generally stocked for hunting. The Common Pheasant is native to Asia but introduced to the United States, it is only one of three state birds that are not native to the US. The male pheasant is a brightly colored bird with a bright green and red head with golden feathers and a longer tail, the female pheasant is a light brown with specks of darker brown on her wings.
Where It's Found: The Common Pheasant is found throughout the United States where it's commonly stocked as a gamebird for hunters.
South Dakota State Bird Dedication: 1943