The greater and lesser prairie chickens strut across the grasslands in eastern Colorado, scratching the earth in search of small insects, seeds, grain and leaves. Watching them, you might even say that they lead a rather mild-mannered existence.
That is, until mating season.
Throughout the months of March, April and May, these attention-craving birds search out mates through vivid and elaborate displays of dancing and posturing that are a departure from their usual demeanor. And quite a spectacle for lucky observers.
The Early Bird Gets the Mate:
Just as the sun rises over the vast expanse of grasslands, the prairie chicken begins its performance. Male prairie chickens strut around in communal mating areas known as “leks,” (sort of like nightclubs for lovelorn prairie chickens). Here, the prairie chickens puff out air sacks on the sides of their necks—red for lesser prairie chickens, yellow-orange for greater—and display yellow combs atop their heads, while letting out loud, booming sounds in hopes of attracting females. Devoted to finding a mate to the very end, the males occasionally fight to the death trying to win the affection of a female.
Your Chance to See This Rare Bird—Where and When:
Your best bet to see prairie chickens in Colorado are the town of Wray, and select sites within the Comanche National Grassland. Within these locations, the Colorado Division Of Wildlife and landowners have access to secret lek locations, and offer one-of-a-kind guided tours to these remote areas. Trained guides will lead you on early morning tours to view the leks, where you'll enjoy the rarely seen mating ritual under the cover of a blind.
- Through a special partnership between private landowners and Arena Dust Tours, birders are able to traverse private land and get an intimate look at leks few have ever visited. With a private guide leading the way, it’s a great way to become educated on this rarely seen ritual. Tours east of Lamar are given by Arena Dust Tours. Call for reservations and tour dates.
Arena Dust Tours Granada, Colorado Phone: 719-734-5226
- The Wray Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Division of Wildlife, East Yuma County Historical Society, the Wray Museum and local landowners all offer mating ritual tours of the greater prairie chicken. The “Special Tour” package includes an overnight stay in town, meals, lodging and transportation. Part of the proceeds go to fund the Wray museum. Call ahead for reservations and tour dates.
Wray, Colorado Phone: 970-332-5063
- In the Comanche National Grassland, you can view the prairie chickens from behind covered blinds. Reservations are required, and are on a first-come-first-served basis, so be sure call in advance. If you can’t reserve a blind, you can always enjoy the show from the comfort of your own vehicle. Tours within the Comanche National Grassland can be reserved through the United States Forest Service.
Comanche National Grassland Phone: 719-523-6591
Since the majority of prairie chicken habitats are found within the borders of private land, viewing their rituals requires a special partnership. Through the cooperation of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), wildlife-conscious private landowners and private tour operators like Arena Dust Tours, birders can traverse private property in search of leks. This unique partnership gives people the ability to appreciate these spectacular mating displays firsthand.
Building A Sustainable Partnership:
When not teaming up to increase the public’s understanding of prairie chickens, private landowners and the DOW are combining their resources to develop habitat for prairie chicken breeding and wintering grounds. While prairie chickens are making a comeback, their numbers still teeter just above the threatened species list. Through the cooperation of individuals and state agencies, the prairie chickens of Colorado will be around to entertain birders for years to come.
What Makes One “Greater” and the Other “Lesser”?
The differences between the two species of prairie chicken are slight. They are both brownish in color and have white-colored crossbars; they are also relatively the same size. The real distinction between the two is the pouches along the sides of their necks, which they can puff out by filling with air—the greater prairie chicken sports a yellow-orange pouch, the lesser has red. These two species rarely intermingle, and a single lek almost always plays host to just one type of chicken.
The lesser prairie chicken is currently a threatened species. Colorado’s population numbers between 1,200 and 1,600 breeding birds. Through conservation and understanding, the lesser prairie chicken has a real chance for survival. The greater prairie chicken has come back from near extinction, and its numbers in Colorado now range between 10,000 to 12,000 birds.
Still Scratching Around for More Information?
There’s a small window of opportunity to see prairie chickens strutting their stuff. For more information on viewing these complex and beautiful birds before their short mating season is over, contact the Division of Wildlife.
updated: 03/27/06