Renesting and Dynamics of Nest Site Selection by Wisconsin Pheasants

Abstract

Renesting and the dynamics of nest site selection by 74 ring-necked pheasants (P. colchicus) were studied by radio telemetry during 4 breeding seasons, 1968-1971. Hens surviving the reproductive season established 1.8 nests (range 1-4). Overall nest success was 31%. Of 1st nests, 69% were disrupted and 68% of the hens renested. Of 2nd clutches, 71% were prematurely terminated and 41% of the females renested. Renesting efforts produced 40% of the broods. Four hens renested after loss of a brood. The average hen established a 1st nest within 0.8 km of the wintering area, selected a site of the edge of her prenesting home range and the territories of associated cocks and favored retired cropland, wetlands, strip cover or hayfields for nesting cover. Of the hens, 79% renested in a cover type that was different from the one selected initially. Most hens that nested initially in wetlands moved to upland sites for renesting. Average distance between successive nests was 396 m (range 63-2264).