Variations in Two Spring Indices of Male Ring-Necked Pheasant Populations

Abstract

Data on the-variability of the crowing count and roadside count of male ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are presented for a 10-mile route in Iowa. In 1950, the coeff. of variation per station for the crowing count for 15 mornings was 19.3%; in 1951, for 10 mornings, 7.6%. Similarly, the coeff. of variation per mile for the male roadside count was 13.1% for 25 mornings in 1950 and 15.9% for 14 mornings in 1951 Wind velocities in excess of 8 m.p.h. influenced the crowing count. Also, the presence or absence of dew significantly affected the male roadside count. Statistical analysis revealed the importance of a route at least 10 miles long in obtaining a roadside count of males seen, and of the time of day to sunrise on the crowing count.