I cringe as I set my alarm for 4 a.m. I am not a morning person, but on the rare occasion when the benefit far outweighs the unwelcome blare of my alarm clock, I make the sacrifice. In this case, there was no doubt that it would. I hope to witness one of the most remarkable displays in all the birding world — the early morning “booming” of the greater prairie-chicken.
The adult male greater prairie-chicken is a barred brown-and-white chicken-like grouse with a small head, rounded wings and short tail. He doesn’t sound very interesting, but for a few weeks in the spring, when the male wants to establish his territory and attract a mate, he is nothing less than spectacular. With his head low and wings held stiffly by his side, he clicks his tail and raises ear-like plumes on his head. Then he blows up bright orange air sacs on his neck, transforming himself into a dazzling performer, all the while drumming with his feet in double time.
When the orange air sacs inflate, they produce a booming vocalization that can be heard up to a mile away. It is a resonant three-noted “whoo, whoo, whooooo” along with whoops and cackles. Males clash relentlessly at these gatherings, chasing each other, leaping into the air and striking with wings, feet, and bills. As they pass, females they perform “flutter jumps” — leaping into the air while flapping their wings, all part of their courtship display.
The booming ground where the males “perform” is called a lek. Leks usually are on higher ground and have little to no vegetation. During the courtship displays, only a few males, mostly experienced older males, are accepted by females for mating. The males with the largest eye combs, longest legs and best territories (nearest the center of the booming ground) appear to have the best breeding success.
No pair bond is formed during mating. While the female proceeds to select nest sites and rear young, the male continues his spirited ceremony to charm more females. After the breeding season, they all gather in flocks.
Greater prairie-chickens are non-migratory. In winter, they create horizontal tunnels in the snow which insulate them from the freezing temperatures. Feathers on their legs and feet help keep them warm. During winter months, they can be observed perched in trees feeding on buds.
The greater prairie-chicken is listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the statewide population of this species has decreased dramatically over the last 50 years. This year, the DNR reported 288 male prairie chickens on 37 leks. These leks are primarily located on four state-owned properties in central Wisconsin, with a majority concentrated on the Buena Vista Grasslands.
The Wisconsin DNR manages over 30,000 acres as greater prairie-chicken habitat. They have written a 10-year greater prairie-chicken management plan in cooperation with the greater prairie-chicken advisory committee and approved by the Natural Resources Board. The Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus, scientific name for greater prairie-chicken, is a nonprofit organization also dedicated to protecting prairie chickens.
Threats to our Wisconsin greater prairie-chickens include habitat loss and fragmentation as well as a new threat, a 7,109-acre solar project planned to directly adjoin the Buena Vista Wildlife Area grasslands. The project will be four times larger than any previously approved solar facility in the state and will be the second largest solar project in the nation. While many conservation groups support solar energy, they oppose how close the project will be to the greater prairie-chickens and their habitat.
Jim Keir, a former 20-year Buena Vista Wildlife manager and DNR prairie chicken expert, stated: “In my professional opinion, the current greater prairie-chicken population is alarmingly low, and any significant negative impact to the birds and their habitat may be the tipping point that leads to endangerment and extirpation from Wisconsin.”
Birdwatchers from around the world travel to Wisconsin in April to attend the Central Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Festival. The festival includes birding tours, observation blinds, nature walks and exhibits. While the festival has already taken place this year, you can still enjoy seeing prairie chicken videos on the Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Festival YouTube page. UW-Stevens Point also offers prairie chicken tours and information at https://www3.uwsp.edu/wildlife/pchicken/Pages/default.aspx.
When my alarm buzzes in the dark of night, I rise without hesitation and drive to central Wisconsin. As a sunbeam peeks over the horizon, I begin to make out chicken-like birds with wings stiff, tails clicking and ear plumes erect suddenly breaking the silence with the beating of their feet. Like little orange suns appearing across the prairie, their air sacs inflate with a “whoo, whoo, whooooo.” As their melodic booming fills the air, joy fills my soul. Let the show begin.
Lisa Jansen is a Wisconsin master naturalist, nature writer and award-winning photographer. She specializes in raising awareness of birds and butterflies of the Midwest.
Greater prairie-chickens are booming once again
