Ring-necked Pheasants are an introduced species from Asia. Occasional escapes from hunt clubs may be seen throughout North Carolina, but these are not countable according to ABA rules. The only countable, self-sustaining populations of pheasants in the state are on the Core Banks from Portsmouth Island south to Cape Lookout. For most of the 20th century (until ~1991), however, pheasants were established on Hatteras Island from Pea Island to Hatteras Inlet.
4 photographs
Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)S. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC19 July 2008These very attractive game birds are most easily seen on the Core Banks by slowly driving the "back road" from one end of the island to the other. Note that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on the islands. Ferry services can be found from Atlantic, NC and from Davis, NC.Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)S. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC18 July 2008A typical view from the vehicle.Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) tracksS. Core Banks, Carteret Co., NC18 July 2008With smaller Mourning Dove tracks.
