PHEASANT BROOD COUNT - 1946 
 
The pheasant brood count is to be made August 1-8, to determine age and 
as far as possible the number of young per brood in counties within the Illinois

pheasant range. After about 10 weeks, part of the broods will be broken up,
but 
estimated age of singles or small groups of older birds should be given.
The fol- 
lowing table will assist in estimating age. 
Pheasant broods can best be found by driving along the less frequented 
dirt roads in rood pheasant territory between 5:45 A.M. and 8 A.M. (Central
Daylight 
Sevin- Time) looking for broods on roadsides and in nearby fields. 
1 week -- Wing feathers 1 inch long; body covered with down. 
2 weeks - Can fly short distances. Wings lIV inch; tail 1 inch. Wings and

upper back gave barred feathers. 
3 weeks - Tails l  inches long. Body feathered, but head still striped like

chick. - Two-thirds size of adult quail. 
4 weeks - Tails 3 inches. Head still downy and striped like chick. Quail

size or slightly larger. 
5 weeks - Tails 5-6 inches. Head fepthers starting. One-and-one-half quail

size or over. 
6 weeks - Cocks show first rusty tinge on sides of breast. Heads feathered.

7 weeks - Rusty on cock's breast more distinct. .bout 1/3 grown. 
8 weeks - Hen's foathors mostly like mature female. Cocks have rusty breasts.

About 1/2 grown. 
10 weeks - Plumage of hens now like mature female. Breasts of cocks becoming

deep reddish brown. Now 2/3 grown. 
Send the record below to R. E. Yertter, Illinois Nntural History Survey,

Urbnna. Please report even if no broods are found. We shall rppreciate r
check 
made during at least 3 mornings; more if possible. 
Name                       Address 
County                    Number of Trips _Number Miles Driven 
Date    Hour   No. Young  No. Adults   Estimated 
in Brood   with Young      Age                 Remarks