correct time to feed, the method of supple- 

 mentation, and the minimum investment to 

 produce favorable results. 



Blood of pheasants in Iowa was investi- 

 gated with more than 5,700 agglutination 

 tests on samples of wild birds from 

 various parts of Iowa and on pen-reared 

 stock from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, 

 Individual differences provided a sound 

 basis for continuing investigations. 



An investigation by the Ohio Unit revealed 

 that free amino acid concentrations in the 

 blood of pheasants varied quantitatively 

 among genera, species, and hybrids ex- 

 amined. These quantitative differences 

 could be determined by chromatographic 

 analysis, but no qualitative variations could 

 be detected. Two amino acids, histidine and 

 homocysteine, showed consistent deviations 

 between species of Phasianus . Quantities of 

 several amino acids appear to be related 

 to sex. 



Studies of these types may prove useful 

 in taxonomic work and in selection of birds 

 for stocking. 



The year ending December 31, 1961, was 

 one of the most successful in the Foreign 

 Game Introduction Program. In the 1960-61 

 shipping season, 6,033 foreign game birds 

 from India were obtained and shipped to 12 

 cooperating States, These birds included 

 the Indian common sand grouse, the black 

 francolin, the gray francolin, the red jungle - 

 fowl, and the Kalij pheasant, A cooperating 

 biologist from the Nevada Fish and Game 

 Commission completed 2 years with the pro- 

 gram in India and returned to Nevada in 

 April 1961. The project leader returned to 

 the States in May for a summer of field in- 

 spection and consultation with State game 

 officials and visits to State ganae farms. He 

 returned to India in November to direct the 

 study and collecting of game birds for trial 

 release in this country. 



Although it is too early to predict results 

 for any species, early reports are en- 



Studies of predation on resident wildlife were conducted by the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. Among 

 the species studied were the magpie and the great-horned owl. To the left, magpies are being banded and 

 color-marked prior to releasing Into the wild for further observation. Right, a young great-homed owl Is 

 tethered near the nest site to determine the kinds and amount of food provided by the parents. 



(Photos by John J. Craighead) 



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