Temperature and Humidity Conditions in Potential Pheasant Nesting Habitat

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Abstract
Measurements of temperature and humidity within different vegetative cover types in Illinois pheasant range were made, and absolute humidity parameters calculated. Preferred nesting cover of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) was found to be strip cover (such as fencerows and roadsides) and hayfields. Within these cover types summertime maximum temperatures remained lower than in other cover types. Saturation deficits were also lower in the preferred cover types than in other cover types, and were very high in cornfields and certain grasses. Success of pheasant reproduction appears to be related to placement of nests in vegetative types offering a favorable microclimate. Temperature and humidity variations among cover types exceed the mean geographical variation over a wide area.

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