Breeding Location:
Prairies, tallgrass
Breeding Type:
Promiscuous
Breeding Population:
Endangered in limited range in U.S., Uncommon to rare, Declining
Egg Color:
Olive with dark brown spots
Number of Eggs:
7 - 17
Incubation Days:
23 - 24
Egg Incubator:
Female
Nest Material:
Lined with grass and feathers., Lined with leaves.
Migration:
Most do not migrate
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Overview
Greater Prairie-Chicke: Medium grouse, barred with brown and buff (or white). Yellow-orange eye combs. Orange air sacs on both sides of the neck inflate during courtship display; long feathers on back of neck also raised during displays. Short, dark brown tail, legs are feathered to the toes.
Range and Habitat
Greater Prairie-Chicken: Once found in suitable prairie/forest habitat from southern Ontario to Alberta, and from Ohio to the northern Great Plains, this species was almost gone by the end of 1930s. It now survives in scattered areas of southern Canada and in the midwestern U.S.; land is being acquired for managed habitats to save the bird from extinction. Prefers open sweeps of permanent tallgrass and a minimum of brush and trees. Needs grass of 10 to 18 inches in height for roosting and nesting.
Breeding and Nesting
Greater Prairie-Chicken: Seven to seventeen olive eggs spotted with dark brown are laid in a bowl-shaped ground depression lined with grass, dead leaves, and feathers. Incubation ranges from 23 to 24 days and is carried out by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
Greater Prairie-Chicken: Feeds on leaves, seeds, buds, cultivated grains, fruits, and insects.
Readily Eats
Vocalization
Greater Prairie-Chicken: During courtship male produces booming sound "whoo-doo-dooooohh, zoooo...wooooo...youoo."
Similar Species
Greater Prairie-Chicken: Lesser Prairie-Chicken has pink neck patch, generally paler plumage, and more finely barred flanks.
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