State Bird of South Dakota

The Chinese ring-necked pheasant is the state bird. It was introduced to South Dakota in 1898 and is easily recognized by its colorful plumage. It is also known for its delicious meat.

Since it is primarily a Midwestern bird, pheasant is considered a delicacy in many other states.

Birds of America

By John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

Ringed-Necked Pheasant

The South Dakota state bird, the Ringed-necked Pheasant, is a bird that was imported to America from Asia, and therefore has no place in Audubon's Birds of America, which is comprised exclusively of wild birds native to North America.

The Editor

Portions copyright © Richard R. Buonanno, 1995
WWW version of John James Audubon's work. "The Birds of America"

Portions copyright © Creative Multimedia Corp., 1990-91, 1992

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