prairie chicken

American  

[prair-ee chik-uhn] / ˈprɛər i ˌtʃɪk ən /

noun

1. either of two North American gallinaceous birds of western prairies, Tympanuchus cupido greater prairie chicken, or T. pallidicinctus lesser prairie chicken, having brown, black, white, and rufous plumage: both species, once abundant, have diminished greatly in number and are classified as vulnerable.

2. sharp-tailed grouse.

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prairie chicken British  

noun

1. either of two mottled brown-and-white grouse, Tympanuchus cupido or T. pallidicinctus, of North America

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Etymology

Origin of prairie chicken

An Americanism dating back to 1685–95

Example Sentences

Burd also expressed excitement that the Attwater's greater prairie chicken is on the new list.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2023

He’s already identified as potential targets a listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species and an expansion of waters covered by U.S.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2023

Clay Nichols, the lesser prairie chicken coordinator with the U.S.

From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2022

This behavior is observed in several bird species including the sage grouse and the prairie chicken.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

There was a platter of cold prairie chicken, a glass dish containing wild-plum sauce, and a plate of biscuit; while on the stove hearth stood a white tureen, holding a few slices of hot toast.

From The Cabin on the Prairie by Pearson, C. H. (Charles Henry)