Prairie Chicken - -
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Description
Prairie chickens are North American birds that are lightly colored with short tails and have a barring brown across their feathers. They usually measure more than a foot long and weigh about 3 pounds. The males have a different look from the females for easy distinction. Male prairie chickens have long feathers on their heads that can stand up like horns. Additionally, they've patches of bright orange skin that's large, round and featherless on their necks.
Habitat
These bird species prefer living in the prairies especially in areas with tall grass and/or prairie woodland mixed habitats. Nowadays, you can find these game birds living in prairies mixed with farms, agricultural, etc.
Diet
Prairies feed on a wide range of plants and insects although the main diet is determined by the season. During summertime, prairie chicken feeds on insects such as flies, grasshoppers, spiders, berries, buds, beetles, etc. because they are plenty. However, during the winter season, seed, grains, acorn, leaves, and grasses. Remember, younger birds eat a lot of proteins (insects) to grow at a faster rate.
Nesting
In spring, the male prairie chickens gather at ‘booming grounds' to impress the females. The males lower their heads, raises their tails and inflates their air sacs periodically. They can also raise their feathers and stamp their feet on the ground while making moaning sounds. The females visit the ‘booming grounds' and mates with one of the females. The nests are mainly built female chickens on the ground among tall, thick grass for protection. A shallow depression on the ground is lined with leaves, feathers, and grass.
Eggs
Females lay eggs ranging from 10-12 although some can lay 7 to 17 eggs. The eggs range from olive to pale buff with dark brown speckles. Incubation is done by the female chicken prairie only for 23 to 25 days. After hatching, the young ones follow the females to find food on their own although the parents protect them from predators. After 2 to 3 weeks, the young ones start making short flights although they remain with the females for about 3 months.
