How the Pheasant Beat Corn
Cherokee
Once Pheasant saw a woman beating corn in a wooden mortar in front of her lodge.
“I can do that, too,” said Pheasant.
“I don’t believe you,” said the woman.
“Yes, I can,” said Pheasant. So Pheasant went into the woods behind the lodge. He flew to a hollow log and drummed with his wings until the people thought he really was beating corn.
That is why the Indians have the Pheasant dance, as a part of the Green-corn dance.