What Are Prairie Chickens?
Prairie chickens are ground-dwelling birds native to the grasslands of North America. Known for their extraordinary courtship displays—called "booming"—males gather on traditional grounds called "leks" each spring to attract females with inflatable orange air sacs, loud calls, and dramatic foot-stomping dances.
Species Overview
- Greater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) – Once widespread across the Midwest; now limited to fragmented habitats in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
- Lesser Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) – Found in the southern Great Plains (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico); listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Habitat & Behavior
These birds thrive in tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies. They feed on seeds, insects, and green vegetation. Their survival is tightly linked to large, undisturbed grassland ecosystems—a habitat increasingly lost to agriculture and development.
Conservation Status
Both species face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and fragmentation. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, prescribed burns, and protected lek sites. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and state wildlife agencies work to preserve remaining populations.
You can help by supporting grassland conservation initiatives and responsible land-use policies.
Where to See Them
Popular viewing locations include:
- Flint Hills, Kansas – Home to some of the largest remaining leks.
- Nebraska Sandhills – Remote grasslands offering prime habitat.
- Loess Canyons, Nebraska – Managed specifically for prairie chicken conservation.
Early spring at dawn is the best time to witness their spectacular mating rituals.