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.