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South Dakota wildlife
Ring-necked pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
South Dakota's state bird; bursts from prairie grass in autumn.
Best months
Sep · Oct · Nov
Look for them at dawn or dusk in grassland edges and farm field margins; check the refuge or park report for current flock locations.
Where to look
Custer State ParkLacreek National Wildlife RefugeSand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Conservation status
Abundant across grassland and farm edges
Good to know
What is the best month to see ring-necked pheasants in South Dakota?
October and November are typical peak months, as pheasants gather in fields and grassland edges before winter.
Are ring-necked pheasants dangerous to humans?
No, they are not dangerous; they typically flee from people and only flush suddenly if startled.
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