As spring winds sweep across the Texas Panhandle, observant bird watchers may detect a deep, resonant booming echo
from the hilltops and rises of the surrounding plains. This unique call is the sound of the Lesser Prairie Chicken, a rare
bird native to the Texas Panhandle.
In early spring the male Lesser PRairie Chicken begins the annual struggle to establish breeding territories, gathering
on traditional "booming grounds" in Hemphill, Lipscomb, Wheeler, Donley, Gray and Collingsworth counties. There, the rare
birds practice the mating ritual that will begin inearnest in March and continue into May.
Bird watchers are often enthralled by the brilliant displays comprised of proud males protecting thier territory
from invasion by other males. Fights and face-offs are common with males leaping into the air, spurring each other or pinning
each other to the grund as they thrash each other with their wings. Bluffs eventually replace the frentic sparring as territorial
boundaries are established and as spring progresses the males turn their attention to available females.
In March the Prairie Chickens begin their colorful courtship ritual, struting, stomping, cackling, jumping and
bowing in efforts to attract a female to their territory. After capturing her elusive attention, they then attempt to
entice her with their most splendid displays. The intricate mating dance is accompanied by a deep booming sound, which occurs
as the male Prairie chickens inflate and deflate the orange air sacs on their necks.
After the unique courtship ritual, dominant males mate with females, then return to booming grounds for additional
mating opportunities.
The female Prairie Chickens generally begin their nesting activities during the peak of mating displays, usually
during the secnd and third weeks in April. Nest sites, which consisits of shallow depressions lined with dried grass and feathers,
occur on the ground in tall grass areas. The females lay between 9 to 13 olive, buff colored or specled eggs,which hatch within
21 to 23 days. The chicks are able to run when they leave the shell, and can leave the nest within a few hours afer they are
hatched. By September, they appear full grown.
