Pheasant Fact Friday!
In August, pheasant chicks are starting to grow their second set of feathers. Their down feathers at hatching, called "natal plumage,” is replaced with dull, brown feathers called the "juvenile plumage.” After hatching, pheasant chicks immediately begin growing flight feathers, and are capable of short flights at two weeks. In August they begin their “post-juvenile molt,” which will give them adult colored feathers by Fall.
The hen starts this molt after her chicks hatch, and will complete in October. The rooster will complete his change in August. Pheasants lose only one wing feather at a time, and are never flightless. Most ducks, on the other hand, lose all their wing feathers at once.
Pheasant Fact Friday is sponsored by Irish Setter Boots
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