Distinctly Montana Magazine

Beauty The BY DAVID CRONENWETT DALE SPARTAS White-Tailed Ptarmigan utumn is the archetypal season of transformation. Emerg- ing from the heat of summer, it subtly draws our attention as the accumulation of cool evenings and brilliant days of low- angle light become something we can no longer ignore. Things are moving now, shaken loose by winter's rapid approach. All manner of critters are out packing on calories while the getting's good. It is about this time when upland game birds like grouse and pheasant become espe- cially noticeable on the landscape. A Often ungraciously described in field guides as "large, chicken-like birds", they tend to be heavy-bodied ground feeders, incapable of vigorous, sustained flight. Montana is blessed with several species including the Wild Turkey, six types of grouse, the Hungarian Partridge and others. Probably the most common and abun- dant in this taxonomic group is the striking Ring-Necked Pheasant. Introduced to our state in the early 20th century, pheasants are often found in areas where native prairie and cropland intermingle. The males are unmistakable, gaudy even, with their scarlet face patch, white collar, and complex iridescent plumage. Females are a much more subdued, mottled brown pattern. Pheasants, which can weigh upwards of three pounds, will resist flying if possible. They are large animals whose food base of insects, grain seed and berries is almost entirely terrestrial. While a poor flyer, a pheasant is a fantastic runner. If a predator is spotted at a distance (such as your car rapidly approaching), the bird will often scuttle away at an impressive rate of speed. Unfortunately, many pheasants un- willingly end up as hood ornaments because of this tactic! Unlike Ringed-Necks, grouse species found in Montana are entirely native. On the plains, Greater Sage Grouse and Sharp Tailed Grouse habitats overlap, DANIEL COX ofFieldBirds Ring-necked Phesant 24 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • FALL 2012

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