Greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) during mating ritual. This chicken-like game bird has a small head, chunky body, short legs and a relatively short tail. During the mating season, Greater prairie chickens perform a unique ritual known as 'booming'. The males inflate their orange air sacs by raising the feathers on the side of their necks, which produces a deep and resonant sound. Additionally, during courtship, the males dance for the female hens by puffing out their chests, stomping their feet, and fanning out their tail feathers. Photographed in Colorado, USA.


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Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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