In favorable locations on the western prairies when Spring returns, PRAIRIE CHICKENS have their little circus rings where they stage a most remarkable performance. Thru the quiet early morning air resounds a deep resonant boom-a-b-o-o-m which rolls over the new green grass like a distant blast. It is a challenge to any knight within sound to enter the lists with the challenger who struts with dilated sacs, drooping wings, extended tail and erected neck tufts, awaiting his adversary.
When a rival does appear there is a wild flurry of feathers when the two meet in midair — exactly like two fighting bantam roosters.
But these shows occurred more frequently in bygone days — a few still can be seen by an observer lucky enuf to discover one of the arenas. Destruction of the birds' natural haunts and mighty gunners have decreased them sadly.
Thickets which formerly afforded protection from hawks, and where they could nest and raise their young, have been cleared away for wheat farms. Prairie Chickens are on the way to join the rapidly increasing numbers of birds which are only a memory.
NEST: a hollow in ground; under shelter or in open prairie; lined with grass and feathers.
EGGS: 8 to 12; dull buff; usually unmarked but sometimes lightly specked with brown.
Southeastern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba to eastern Colorado, northeastern Texas, Arkansas, western Kentucky and Indiana.