Greater Prairie-Chicken (GRPC)

Identification

The Greater Prairie-Chicken is a large, stocky bird in the grouse family. The bird has short, rounded wings and tail, with barred feathers producing a linear pattern of tan and dark brown throughout the body. Compared to similar birds like the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and Sharp-tailed Grouse, the Greater Prairie-Chicken stands out by being slightly larger with darker overall feather pigments. Male birds have vibrant orange eyebrows, a bright orange-yellow neck patch that is exposed during courtship displays, and an elaborate crown of neck feathers that stand upright when courting. Females possess similar body formation but lack the orange facial and neck details, and have no positionable neck feathers, instead having a simple pale throat. Juvenile birds are darker due to thicker stripes on feathers.

The Greater Prairie-Chicken has a posture similar to a chicken, and walks slowly when foraging. In flight, their stubby wings are more clear, and despite not migrating, Greater Prairie-Chickens are strong fliers and can fly long distances. The dark underside of their tail-feathers is obvious when the tail is spread out in flight. During courtship displays, males inflate their neck sacs, raise their neck feathers, stomp their feet, and produce a hollow ‘booming’ or ‘yodeling’ sound. While the males ‘boom’ in a rhythmic dance, females gather and observe. During courtship displays, males are typically hunched over with their neck stuck out to show off their orange neck sacs. When not in a courtship display, the birds commonly cluck and cackle and occasionally emit a low hooting sound.

Listen to its songs and calls here.