Survival of Ring-Necked Pheasants with Backpacks, Necklaces, and Leg Bands

We recorded recovery rates for 300 adult female ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and 150 juveniles (82 M, 68 F) marked with 2 different dummy radio tags or leg bands. Birds with backpack tags in all age and sex categories disappeared more quickly and were recovered by shooting or trapping less often than birds with necklace tags or with leg bands (P < 0.05 for juv and ad F). Survival was not affected by weight of necklaces (15 or 25 g) or by the color of the backpacks (white or brown). Necklace radio tags, at 2-3% of body weight, are more suitable than backpacks for studies of pheasant survival.