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Species of the month

Attwater's Prairie Chicken

Tympanuchus cupido attwateri

Some facts about this bird:

Length: 42–46 cm.
Weight: 700–900 grams.
Diet: Leaves, seeds, and insects.
Conservation status: Endangered.
Habitat: Texas, United States. Confined to Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge near Eagle Lake.
Surviving number: Estimated at fewer than 100. (Down from one million in 1900!)
First described: By the noted American ornithologist Charles Bendire in 1893.

Tympanuchus cupido attwateri male has a booming call ("BOO-OOM") that can be heard a kilometer away. Puffing air sacks on either side of the neck help in making this sound. It's a part of the springtime courtship display, accompanied by rigid tail and neck feathers, strutting, bowing and foot stomping. This performance inspired the tribal dances of America's Plains Indians.

(Archived from Template:Species of the week)