Data from: Understanding thermal conditions provides context for the influence of habitat characteristics on gamebird winter ecology

These data sets were collected and used as part of a larger study on Ring-necked Pheasant winter roost site selection and winter survival in southwestern North Dakota. These data were collected using radio telemetry to relocate birds. At used sites we used the cropland data layer to determine landscape-level characteristics including land use, patch size, and distance to edge. We also collected similar information at randomly generated points. At each used and random location, we also estimated proximate cover characteristics using estimates of canopy cover, litter depth, snow depth, and maximum vegetation heights. In addition to habitat characteristics, we also gathered weather data from the nearest North Dakota Automated Weather Network Station (Hettinger) or via ibuttons. These data were analyzed primarily with mixed models to determine habitat selection during winter. We also incorporated many of the variables into survival models when appropriate.