South Dakota's state bird, the ring-necked pheasant, was unknown in the state until a hundred years ago.  In the 1890's, it was imported to South Dakota and other states from China. The grain fields of South Dakota are ideal homes for this  game bird. The fields provide food, like corn, and the brushy edges provide hiding and nesting places.  This pheasant is one of the most popular game birds in America.  Many hunters consider South Dakota the best ring-neck state.