Field Guide to the Prairie

Can't see the prairie chicken? Click here.	Greater Prairie Chicken Tympanuchus cupido Size: 40-46 cm (16-18 in.) Habitat/Range: Tallgrass prairie Eating Habits: Greater prairie chickens eat insects like grasshoppers, ants, and leafhoppers.
	The greater prairie-chicken is a medium-sized grouse with barred plumage; it has a short rounded tail, feathered toes and narrow elongated feathers that cover inflatable orange sacs on both sides of the neck; these narrow elongated feathers are poorly developed on the females. Males fill orange sacs and raise side feathers into "horns" during courtship displays. Listen to courting prairie chickens! (Sound clip courtesy Lang Elliot/NatureSound Studio)
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