prairiechicken

Prairiechicken is a common name for two North American grouse species in the genus Tympanuchus: the greater prairiechicken (Tympanuchus cupido) and the lesser prairiechicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus). Both are members of the family Phasianidae and are large ground-dwelling birds adapted to prairie ecosystems. Males are larger and more colorful than females, and during the breeding season they display inflatable neck air sacs and perform elaborate lek displays on elevated territories.

Distribution and habitat: Historically, prairiechicken ranged across extensive grasslands of the central United States and southern Canada. The greater prairiechicken inhabits tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies, while the lesser prairiechicken is tied to shortgrass plains and arid western regions. In many areas, habitat loss and fragmentation have reduced their range to isolated patches.

Diet and behavior: They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, buds, leaves, and grains, with insects especially important for growing chicks. They nest on the ground; clutches typically consist of several eggs; incubation lasts about 23–28 days; chicks are precocial and can feed themselves soon after hatching.

Conservation: Prairiechicken populations have declined due to conversion of native prairie to agriculture, energy development, and fire suppression. Recovery efforts include prairie restoration, protective management of remaining habitats, controlled burns, grazing management, and monitoring via lek counts. Some populations have been the focus of reintroduction programs to reconnect habitat fragments.