Greater Prairie-Chicken

Tympanuchus pallidicinctus

The Greater Prairie-Chicken is a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its unique mating display, which involves inflating bright orange air sacs on its neck and making booming calls. This species is primarily found in tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies of the central United States. They are herbivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, and insects. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the population of Greater Prairie-Chickens has declined, and they are now considered a species of conservation concern. Efforts to preserve and restore their native grassland habitats are crucial for the long-term survival of this iconic prairie bird.

Habitat: Tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies