How to Identify Pheasant Tracks

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Pheasants are native to Asia, but have been introduced around the world for hunting. The common or ring-necked pheasant is a popular game species for upland bird hunters. When spooked pheasants sometimes take flight, but they can also run quickly to escape danger. This behavior adds to the challenge of hunting them. Pheasant tracks resemble those of many other birds; but you can identify them by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Search for tracks in areas that provide the features pheasants need. They thrive with access to grain and weeds for food, uncut grasses for nesting and raising their young, taller brush for windbreaks and wetlands.
Step 2

Look for bird tracks with three clear toes. Identify pheasant tracks by the visible claw marks at the end. They are medium sized tracks, larger than songbirds but smaller than birds of prey and waterfowl.
Step 3

Examine the back toe. Pheasants have a back toe, but it is higher than the rest to avoid dragging on the ground. It appears faintly or not at all in tracks usually with a gap separating it from the back of the foot.
Step 4

Rule out any webbed feet. These belong to waterfowl such as ducks and geese.
Step 5

Check the toes for lobes. Some birds have distinct lobes or knuckles along their toes, while others have straight, undifferentiated toes. Pheasants fall in the middle with faintly visible lobes.