WatchList Species Account for Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido)

Qualifies for the list as a Red List Species

Photo: Laura Erickson

With its spectacular yearly breeding displays on its leks that make it fascinating to birders and non-birders alike, the Greater Prairie-Chicken was once common in native prairie, oak savannas, and woodland in central North America, with populations on and near the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts. There are three recognized subspecies of the Greater Prairie-Chicken, of which one is extinct (Heath Hen), one is critically endangered (Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken) and one (Greater Prairie-Chicken) has been extirpated or is nearly extirpated in 15 states and provinces, but sufficiently numerous in four states still to be legally hunted. Though some birds are resident, others move up to 170 km between wintering and breeding areas, with females more likely to migrate than males. Current breeding habitat is mid and tall grass prairie, often mixed with cropland. It feeds on insects and a variety of vegetable matter. Originally the bird depended in winter on acorn mast, now largely replaced by cultivated grains such as corn and sorghum.

The primary cause of mortality is predation on eggs and birds; livestock, farm machinery, electric wires, fences and other factors associated with humans also are causes of mortality, as is fire and severe weather. Pesticides may reduce insects on which the bird feeds. The most effective conservation measure appears to be habitat improvement by manipulation of grazing, controlled burns, providing thick vegetation for cover, and establishing preserves.