The greater prairie chicken is a medium-sized grouse native to the prairies of North America. It is known for its elaborate mating displays on leks and was once abundant across the Great Plains. However, due to habitat loss, hunting and land conversion, greater prairie chicken populations have declined dramatically since European settlement. In the video game Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), set in 1899, the greater prairie chicken can still be found roaming the plains and prairies of the fictionalized Western states. Players wanting to observe this iconic bird’s behaviors and locate it for hunting or sketching purposes may be wondering where exactly to find the greater prairie chicken in RDR2’s expansive open world.
Greater Prairie Chicken Habitat
In real life, the greater prairie chicken prefers native grassland habitats including prairies, plains, pastures and hayfields. It avoids dense, wooded areas as well as cultivated croplands. The species was most abundant historically in the tallgrass prairie ecosystems of the Midwest and shorter mixed-grass prairies further West. Its range extended from Canada south to Texas. RDR2 accurately depicts the greater prairie chicken’s habitat preferences within its fictional setting. Players can expect to find the birds in open grassy areas including plains, meadows, savannas and pastures. They tend to avoid heavily forested areas as well as farms and orchards. Prime greater prairie chicken spotting habitat in RDR2 includes:
– The Heartland Overflow in New Hanover
– Great Plains in West Elizabeth
– Hennigan’s Stead in New Austin
– Tall Trees in West Elizabeth
– Big Valley in West Elizabeth
Where to Find Greater Prairie Chickens in RDR2
Within suitable grassland habitats, greater prairie chickens congregate in certain areas making them easier to locate. Here are some specific locations players can check during different times of day to spot the birds:
Early Morning
– Northwest of Emerald Ranch in Heartland Overflow – Look for the birds displaying on their lek sites at dawn
– East of Caliban’s Seat fast travel post in Tall Trees – Birds feed in the meadows
Late Morning
– North of Stillwater Creek in Great Plains – Birds move from leks to feeding grounds
– South of Caliban’s Seat near Aurora Basin – Ambush displaying males along roads
Afternoon
– Southwest of Mattock Pond in Hennigan’s Stead – Birds rest and dust bathe on trails
– Northwest of Manteca Falls in Great Plains – Scatter flocks in the savannas
Evening
– West of Dewberry Creek in Big Valley – Find birds roosting before sundown
– South of Mattock Pond in Hennigan’s Stead – Check for late displays on lek sites
Identifying the Greater Prairie Chicken
When searching for the greater prairie chicken, players should look and listen for these identification clues:
– Size – About 15-19 inches long. Smaller and stockier than a turkey.
– Coloring – Barred brown and white plumage on the body. Orange comb over the eye. Dark mottling on the breast.
– Field marks – Orange air sacs on the neck inflated during displays. Long feathered tails. Prominent yellow eyebrows.
– Behavior – Performs elaborate displays on leks with feet stomping, tail fanning and booming vocalizations.
– Habitat – Found in open prairies, plains, meadows and grasslands.
Hunting the Greater Prairie Chicken
Players seeking to harvest greater prairie chickens for meat, feathers or other animal parts will need to use stealthy hunting approaches. Some tips include:
– Use a bird or small game arrow – regular arrows may destroy the carcass.
– Aim for headshots to preserve carcass quality.
– Approach leks cautiously when males are focused on displays.
– Use Cover Scent lotion to reduce hunter odor.
– Creep through brush or crouch in blinds to stay hidden.
– Listen for their cackles and hoots to locate birds.
– Have bird feathers handy to craft improved arrows.
Dangers While Hunting Greater Prairie Chickens
While the greater prairie chicken itself is not dangerous, players should be alert for other threats when hunting them:
– Rattlesnakes may be concealed in tall grass – listen for their warning rattles.
– Cougars and coyotes hunt the birds and may turn on players suddenly.
– Bears and wolves also frequent prairie chicken habitat.
– Bandits may be hiding out in remote prairies – be ready to defend yourself.
– Lightning storms roll through open areas rapidly – seek shelter if a storm approaches.
Conclusion
For players seeking to observe or hunt the iconic greater prairie chicken, RDR2 offers accurate habitat and locations within its open world. The birds can be found in grasslands across several Western states, with prime spots being Heartland Overflow, Great Plains, Hennigan’s Stead, Tall Trees and Big Valley. Use their distinctive feathers, displays, vocalizations and habitat preferences to identify greater prairie chickens. Hunters should approach cautiously with appropriate weapons to harvest the birds cleanly. While searching for greater prairie chickens, be alert for rattlesnakes, predators and bandits that also lurk in prairie landscapes. With some exploration of RDR2’s prairies, players can successfully spot these unique game birds.