Greater Prairie Chicken

The greater prairie-chicken, known scientifically as Tympanuchus cupido, is a robust North American bird of the grouse family. This species, sometimes affectionately referred to as a "boomer," is characterized by its stocky build and rounded wings. The adult males are particularly striking with their ornate orange comb-like feathers above their eyes and elongated head plumes that can be proudly displayed or sleekly laid back along the neck. They also feature a distinctive orange, un-feathered neck patch, which they can inflate during their elaborate mating displays. Females, while more demure in their plumage, are similarly sized, measuring approximately 43 cm in length and weighing between 700 and 1,200 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify the greater prairie-chicken, look for the male's vibrant orange combs and inflatable neck patch. Both sexes have a relatively short, rounded tail. The wingspan of these birds ranges from 69.5 to 72.5 cm.

Habitat

The greater prairie-chicken has a strong preference for undisturbed prairie landscapes and can be found in tallgrass prairies. They are also known to inhabit agricultural lands interspersed with prairie, though they are less abundant in these modified environments.

Distribution

Historically widespread across the oak savanna and tallgrass prairie ecosystems, the greater prairie-chicken's range has been drastically reduced. Today, they are found in isolated pockets of suitable habitat.

Behaviour

These birds are non-migratory and territorial, especially during the breeding season when males defend their booming grounds. These grounds are open areas where males perform their elaborate displays to attract females.

Song & Calls

The greater prairie-chicken is known for its unique "booming" calls, produced by males during their courtship rituals. These sounds are amplified by the bird's inflated neck sacs.

Breeding

Breeding season typically begins in late March and extends through April in the United States. Males establish and defend booming sites to attract females. After mating, females build nests about a mile from the booming grounds, laying between 5 and 17 eggs. The eggs hatch after 23 to 24 days, and the young are raised solely by the female.

Similar Species

The lesser prairie-chicken is a similar species but can be distinguished by its smaller size and different range.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the greater prairie-chicken is primarily composed of seeds and fruit. During the summer months, they also consume green plants and insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles.

Conservation status

The greater prairie-chicken is currently classified as Near Threatened. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the remaining populations, which have suffered severe declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation.