Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN

Cimarron National Grassland has been named by the American Birding Association as one of the top 100 places in the United States for birding and has been featured in Birder's World. This activity brings people from local areas, regionally and throughout the world. At last count, 345 bird species could be found on the Grassland. One of the more popular sought after birds is the Lesser Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) .

In Kansas, the lesser prairie chicken can be found in the southwestern quarter of the state. Due to the small area where lesser prairie chickens can be found and that the Cimarron Grassland is the largest parcel of public land in the state of Kansas, it is considered one of the premier spots to observe the birds. Locally, the lesser prairie chicken primarily inhabitats sandsage prairie south of the Cimarron River, a strip about two to five miles wide.

The lesser prairie chicken is similar in appearance to the Greater Prairie Chicken, although it is slightly smaller and its air sacs on its neck are red-orange in color, whereas the greater has yellow-orange air sacs. Lesser prairie chickens are dependent upon rangeland conditions. Sandsage prairie, with its mixture of short and mid-grasses, sagebrush, and yucca components, provides the birds with nesting and brood rearing cover, and food.

The lesser prairie-chicken display their courtship rituals on leks, often called booming or gobbling grounds, usually located on hilltops or slight rises where vegetation is relatively sparse and visibility is good. Early March through the end of May is the prime time to observe this rite of spring.

During courtship, each individual male will establish his own territory. The characteristic display by the males is used to attract hens. The male will bow deeply, droop his wings, raise
the pinnae feathers on his neck and perform a dance consisting of short spurts of tiny steps and rapid stamping of his feet. Between surges of fancy footwork, he will emit a gobbling sound by expanding the pinkish air sacs on his neck, followed with a laughing cackle. On a calm day, the birds can be heard up to a mile away.

The Cimarron NG operates two blinds for the viewing of prairie chickens. These have been provided with the help of Andarko and facilitate birders and naturalists the opportunity to see birds displaying on their leks without disturbance. The viewing blind can accommodate up to four people and is on a first come first serve basis, no reservations. The best time for viewing the display is in the early mornings from 1/2 hour before sunrise until about 9 a.m. The birds also display in the evenings just before sundown, but it is not as intense as in the mornings. The two blinds are set up for public viewing of the leks in late March. You should plan to arrive at the blind at least 1 hour before sunrise and remain in the blind until 1 hour after sunrise to minimize disturbance to the birds. For best viewing, you should remain as quiet as possible. You may want to bring cameras, binoculars, or spotting scopes. It is a good idea to pay close attention to the weather as the early morning hours can be quite cool.

2009 update: Best viewing this year is at the East blind.
Directions to East Blind from Elkhart (see map below):

• EAST on Hwy 56 approximately 7 miles to County Road 16.
• Turn NORTH on County Road 16 and proceed approximately 2.5 miles to County road J.
• Turn EAST on County Road J and proceed approximately 1.5 miles.
• Turn NORTH and cross the cattle guard, proceed NORTH to gas well location.
• Stay to the LEFT side of well location; the road curves around and runs parallel to the fence.
• Continue NORTH on road: the parking lot is on the WEST side of the road and the blind will be visible
• If blind is occupied, viewing is still possible from your vehicle from the parking lot.
  

The Grassland works with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks and other partners to produce and update pamphlets, checklists, and books on birds located on the Grassland within the local area.

Outfitter and guide permits are required on Forest Service land!

Outfitter/Guide permits are required on Cimarron National Grassland for any individual or organization (e.g. bird touring groups) charging a fee. A limit of one outfitter/guide bird tour will be allowed at any individual prairie chicken blind per day. Outfitter/guide requests must be submitted by January 1 of each year. Scheduling for the prairie chicken blinds will be based on the date the permit request is submitted.