LIST AND DESCRIPTION 77 



308b. PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (Pedioecetes phasianellus 

 campestris.) 



This Grouse is slightly smaller than the Prairie Chicken, 

 though similar in color. It has more white on wings and under 

 parts, and V-shaped instead of bar-shaped markings. It has a 

 small head crest, but no neck tufts. The tail narrows to a sharp 

 point, and the legs are more heavily feathered than in the Prairie 

 Chicken. 



Its nesting places are open thickets and grassy flats along 

 the Missouri River and westward. Late in the fall several 

 coveys may flock together and migrate a short distance, perhaps 

 for more favorable feeding grounds. It should, however, be 

 classed as one of our resident birds. 



309. SAGE HEN (Centrocercus urophasianus.) 



The largest of our Grouse, the males measuring up to 

 twenty-nine inches and the females to twenty-two. The sexes 

 do not differ much in color. Back variegated with black, white 

 and buff; under parts whitish with black areas; long tail feathers 

 of the male pointed, having the appearance of being worn off; 

 legs feathered. 



They formerly inhabited the whole western half of the 

 State, but are now limited in range to Fall River, Butte and 

 Harding counties. They are usually found in sagebrush regions 

 and feed on sage buds and insects, the latter principally grass- 

 hoppers. Their nesting places are usually under or near a clump 

 of sagebrush, or along sparsely grass covered creek flats. 



They are not eagerly sought after by hunters, as the flesh 

 has a rather strong sage taste. 



RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus torquatus.) 



This bird was originally from China and is known in some 

 localities as the Chinese Pheasant. It has, however, been crossed 

 with the English Pheasant, Phasianus colchius, and specimens 

 without the white neck ring are hybrids. 



This beautiful Pheasant was introduced into South Da- 

 kota several years ago and is living in a semi-wild state. In 

 some localities it is said to be increasing rapidly; but it is per- 

 haps too early to say whether or not it is really a valuable addi- 

 tion to our list of game birds. 



