Greater Prairie-Chicken

Drummer of love

The scientific name for the Greater Prairie Chicken means “drummer of love”. When the male is attempting to seduce a female, he inflates his air sacs and creates a loud booming sound. This photo taken from a blind perfectly displays this technique. The male also dances, jumps, raises his neck and eyebrow feathers and stomps his feet to attract a female. The drumming name was likely inspired by the drumming sound of his stomping feet. This was a fantastic experience that I know a few other members in this group have seen. Whatever the early hour or discomfort of a blind, it’s well worth seeing this mating display.

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Mike Affinito
April 25, 2023 6:08 am

Beautiful capture–Such amazing behavior and tools to make it happen.

Call at first light.
Let the world year you
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