Due to habitat loss, greater prairie chickens are extremely rare or extinct in their previous range in North America.
Greater prairie chickens are not threatened by severe winter weather. They "dive" in to the snow to keep warm.
Male greater prairie chickens have air sacs on their neck that they can inflate and display, along with snapping their tail, creating a "booming" sound while trying to attract a mate during breeding season. They also have feathers on top of their head "comb feathers" which they can raise up to help with their display.
Greater prairie chickens are endangered in Illinois.