Prairie chickens are a unique and iconic bird species found in the grasslands of Colorado. They are known for their elaborate mating rituals and booming mating calls that can be heard across the prairies during breeding season. There are two species of prairie chickens found in Colorado – the Greater Prairie-Chicken and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Both species have experienced significant population declines in recent decades due to habitat loss and are considered species of conservation concern. However, there are still places in Colorado where you can catch a glimpse of these fascinating birds displaying their mating rituals. This article explores the best locations to see prairie chickens in Colorado, when to see them, and how to view them responsibly.
Overview of Prairie Chickens in Colorado
Prairie chickens belong to the grouse family of birds. They are medium-sized, round-bodied birds with small heads, short tails, and rounded wings. They are mostly brown in color with barring and light colored feathers on their undersides. Their most distinctive features are the colorful air sacs on the sides of their necks that males inflate to make booming and popping sounds during their mating displays.
There are two prairie chicken species in Colorado:
Greater Prairie-Chicken
The Greater Prairie-Chicken is the larger of the two species. Males have feathered yellow air sacs on the side of their necks and a short dark feather tuft above each eye. Females are smaller and more brown in color. Greater Prairie-Chickens prefer large expanses of tallgrass and mixed grass prairie habitat.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken
The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is smaller and paler in color. Males have reddish air sacs on their necks and lack the prominent eye tufts. Females are very difficult to distinguish from female Greater Prairie-Chickens. Lesser Prairie-Chickens inhabit shortgrass and scrubland prairie habitats.
Both species were once abundant across the Great Plains but have experienced steep declines due to conversion of native prairie to cropland. They now occupy just a fraction of their historic range. In Colorado, they are found mainly in the southeastern grasslands. Viewing areas include the Comanche and Pawnee National Grasslands as well as some state wildlife areas and private ranches.
Best Places to See Prairie Chickens in Colorado
Here are some of the top locations in Colorado to spot prairie chickens:
Comanche National Grassland
The Comanche National Grassland near Springfield offers excellent opportunities to see both Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chickens. The grassland encompasses over 400,000 acres of native shortgrass prairie, the prime habitat for Lesser Prairie-Chickens. The booming grounds for viewing are along CR RR between Springfield and Campo. Stop at pull offs in the early morning to scan for displaying males.
Pawnee National Grassland
Lesser Prairie-Chickens can also be seen displaying on the Pawnee National Grassland northeast of Denver. Visit the Crow Valley Campground area near Briggsdale in March and April to observe males displaying on their booming grounds at dawn. Public viewing blinds are also available through lottery drawing.
Karval State Wildlife Area
Located east of Pueblo, this state wildlife area offers excellent prairie chicken viewing opportunities with multiple public viewing blinds available. Both Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chickens can be observed here, often in mixed flocks. Blinds must be reserved in advance through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Brush Prairie Chicken Booming Ground
This is an accessible private booming ground located near Wray that offers guided blind tours during the mating season. Reservations for the tours are required. This site provides nearly guaranteed close-up views of displaying Greater Prairie-Chickens.
Other Sites
Other locations where prairie chickens may be spotted include Chico Basin Ranch near Colorado Springs, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory near Weldona, and private ranches in southeast Colorado that allow access for viewing. Be sure to obtain permission before entering any private lands.
Best Times to View Prairie Chickens
The mating season is the best time to observe prairie chickens. This is when males gather at communal booming grounds called leks and engage in elaborate displays to attract females. The peak viewing periods are:
March to early April
This is when booming activity is at its peak. Males actively display and compete for mates on the leks in early mornings and evenings. Female visits to the leks also peak during this time. Arrive well before sunrise to observe peak activity.
Late April to early May
Display activity starts to decline but males may still be present on the leks. Females begin nesting and are less visible. Later mornings provide viewing opportunities as display starts later.
Other Times of Year
Prairie chickens may be seen throughout the year in open grassland habitats but are much harder to spot outside of mating season. The rest of the year they tend to stay hidden in grasses and are not actively displaying. Patient scanning of fields may reveal a prairie chicken or flock foraging. The best times are early mornings and evenings when they are more active.
Viewing Tips and Etiquette
When trying to spot prairie chickens, follow these responsible viewing guidelines:
– Use binoculars or spotting scopes for distant viewing. Never approach booming grounds.
– Wear muted colors like greens and browns and avoid sudden movements.
– View from inside your vehicle if not using a blind. Keep noise to a minimum.
– Follow all area regulations and avoid trespassing onto private lands.
– Do not use calls or make loud noises to disturb the birds.
– Stay on designated roads and trails when viewing on public lands.
– Limit your viewing time to avoid excessive disturbance.
– Do not disclose specific lek locations to prevent harassment of birds.
Responsible and ethical viewing prevents disturbance to prairie chickens during this critical life stage. With care and respect, these special Colorado birds can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Conclusion
Witnessing the elaborate mating displays of prairie chickens is an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. Southeast Colorado offers the best opportunities in the state to observe these birds during their breeding season from March to May. Prime viewing locations include national grasslands, state wildlife areas, and select private ranches. With responsible viewing practices, you can marvel at the booming, popping, and dancing of prairie chickens in their native grassland habitats while ensuring these fragile populations remain protected. So grab your binoculars, wake up before dawn, and go discover the magic of Colorado’s prairie chickens!
