Near Bancroft in Portage County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin’s Greater Prairie Chicken

(Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus)

Photographed by Keith L, June 10, 2007

1. Wisconsin's Greater Prairie Chicken Marker

Inscription. These open grasslands in the Buena Vista Marsh, Portage County, were one of the last remaining strongholds of the Greater Prairie Chicken in Wisconsin. Once abundant in the state, this impressive bird nearly disappeared when its grassland habitat was converted to croplands, pastures and forests. Many committed individuals and organizations worked to preserve the “chicken,” purchasing nearly 15,000 acres of grasslands since 1954. Thanks to these conservation efforts, chickens can be observed gathering here on their territorial “booming grounds” each April. Hoping to attract a mate, the male birds frantically stomp their feet and spread their tails while inflating bright orange neck sacs and calling out with a low, mournful, booming sound that can be heard for great distances. After breeding, the birds disperse during the summer and early fall, gathering again in large flocks for the winter. An intensive grassland management and research program works to ensure the future of this important symbol of the prairie.

Erected 1993 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 323.)

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.

Location. 44° 20.222′ N, 89° 38.629′ W. Marker is near Bancroft, Wisconsin, in Portage County. It is on County Highway W 0.2 miles east of County Highway F, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bancroft WI 54921, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dr. John E. Toepfer (here, next to this marker); Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships (approx. 4.9 miles away); Dr. Byron Robinson (approx. 9 miles away); V. F. W. Post 2534 Veterans Memorial

Photographed by Keith L, June 10, 2007

2. Wisconsin's Greater Prairie Chicken Marker

(approx. 9.3 miles away); Elizabeth Daly House (approx. 9½ miles away); Wood County Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.6 miles away); Historic Municipal Swimming Pool (approx. 9.6 miles away); Our Medical History (approx. 9.7 miles away).

Prairie Chickens Booming image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joe V, April 20, 2007

3. Prairie Chickens Booming

Annual mating ritual of the greater prairie chicken, an activity known as “booming.” This primitive ceremony pits bird against bird as male chickens stake out territory to attract hens for mating.

Prairie Chicken Booming image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joe V, April 20, 2007

4. Prairie Chicken Booming

Booming takes its name from the distinctive sound made by the male chicken, a deep and resonant three-noted ‘whoo, whoo, whoooooo’ accompanied by whoops and cackles that signal territorial possession. Source: Wisconsin DNR website

Photographed by Joe V, April 20, 2007

5. Prairie Chicken Booming

“The sounds of prairie chickens feet beating double time in a performance inspired the species’ scientific name, Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus, or ‘drummer of love’." Source: Wisconsin DNR website

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,348 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2024, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 19, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.