Newsletter / Blog
2012-04-08 How many endemic birds in the Plains-Midwest, USA?
The Plains-
Midwest USA
has 3 endemic birds.
They are: -
Attwater’s Prairie Chicken
Greater Prairie
Chicken
Lesser Prairie
Chicken
Attwater's Prairie
Chicken
Attwater's
Prairie Chicken - Tympanuchus
cupido attwateri - is a highly endangered, endemic to the Western Gulf
coastal grasslands.
Description
The Attwater's
Prairie-Chicken is a member of the North American grouse family. It is slightly
smaller and darker than its close relative the Greater Prairie-Chicken. These
grouse-like ground birds have strong vertical bars of dark brown and buff-white
in a zebra like pattern over the mantle, flanks, and underparts. The species
exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the males having elongated feathers, called
pinnae, erected to form earlike structures. The male also has as a bright
orange to reddish air sac on either side of his neck, which he inflates during
mating displays. The most colorful time of the year for Attwater's
Prairie-Chickens is the spring when the males gather on "leks", large
short grass areas on the coastal prairie. The males at this time inflate their
air sacs, raise their tails in the air, droop their wings, and dance around,
stomping their feet. This is accompanied by a low, mournful whirring sound
called "booming". Intermittent jumps and charges at other males
accompany the booming activity which reaches its peak when a female ventures
into the lek.
Call
The male emits a
booming, "woo-woo" sound from his throat sac.
Food
The diet consists
of leaves, seeds, and insects.
Breeding
The mating
display can be seen in January or February when the birds gather in small
groups on short grass, bare ground, rock outcroppings or hilly areas in order
to choose a mate. The hens build grass nests on the ground, hidden in tall
grass, they usually lay 12 eggs during nesting season. The eggs hatch in April
or May.
Conservation Status – Endangered
In 1900, one
million Attwater's Prairie Chickens graced the coastal grasslands and in 1998
it was estimated that only 260 remained, with less than 60 living in the wild. Loss
of habitat is believed to be the prime reason for their downfall. In 2003,
there were fewer than 50 birds in the wild. In just 6 years, despite challenges
including several major hurricanes, the population has reached 90 birds in
three populations. These birds need your
help.
Birdwatching
See these birds
at the Attwater Prairie Chicken NWF near Eagle Lake,
Texas or Texas City Prairie Preserve near Texas City.
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