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Field Guide for all the Birds of North America

Prairie-Chickens

Tétras

Phasianidae

Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities

There are two types of prairie-chickens found in North America; the Greater Prairie-Chicken and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. At one time, these birds covered a much larger range than the ones found today. Loss of habitat was caused by overgrazing, agriculture and overhunting, which reduced these two bird species in population numbers and range.

The male prairie-chickens are known for their large colourful air sacs that the male species displays in leks. This is a ritual where the males and females gather up on breeding grounds in early spring, usually in the same place year to year. In these leks, the males display their distinctive looks, all the while strutting about, trying to attract the female spectators.

Click on the bird names listed below to see pictures of the Prairie-Chickens seen in North America

Attwater's Prairie-Chicken

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Heath Hen

Lesser Prairie-Chicken

References to Other Bird Sites:

Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.

ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.

I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB