The Attwater's Prairie Chicken now literally stands on the brink of extinction. Time is running out for this spectacular inhabitant of our coastal grasslands. Last year, its population was over sixty. The Attwater's Prairie Chicken's breeding activity occurs on or near lakes. A lek or booming ground is a specific area that is usually located on bare ground or shortgrass areas which allow the males to be seen by the females.
Leks vary in size from one-eighth of an acre to several acres.
Active leks are usually in close proximity to mid and tallgrass cover. The Attwater's Prairie Chicken needs approximately six miles to breed successfully. Males set up territories on the booming grounds in late January to February. Fighting among the males occurs when one male enters the territory of another. The fighting determines the social structure of the males on the lek.