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Unlike most shorebirds, the Upland sandpiper is completely terrestrial, rarely associated with coastal or wetland habitats, an obligate grassland species. As a result, it is often recognized as an indicator of prairie health.

Sage thrashers have a long, melodious flutelike song with a lot of variety in notes. The longest documented song was approximately 22 minutes long! Sage thrashers may also mimic the notes of other birds and have been called “the mockingbird of the sagebrush.”

Adult curlews will vigorously chase and attack potential nest or chick predators including coyotes, raptors, and people. Adults become more aggressive towards predators as their eggs begin to hatch.

Some insects and amphibians are naturally toxic to birds, so shrikes store these toxic animals on thorns or barbed wire for a day or two until the toxins have degraded and the food is safe to eat.

The lesser prairie-chicken has one of the smallest population sizes of grouse species in North America (estimated 28,000 birds) with an estimated decline of 97% from historic numbers. The lesser prairie-chicken is not currently listed for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.  

Lark bunting use two different songs in the breeding season: a primary song given from a perch or in flight and an aggressive song always given in flight.

Greater sage-grouse are adapted to eat the leaves of sagebrush shrubs year-round. Sagebrush have a characteristic smell from chemicals called monoturpenoids, which are toxic to most wildlife. Sage-grouse have evolved to eat sagebrush leaves without getting sick.

In spring, males attract females by stamping their feet rapidly and making booming sounds with their air sacs. They often leap into the air with loud cackles.

The grasshopper sparrow is one of the few North American sparrows that sings two completely different songs during the breeding season: one to attract females and one to defend a territory.

Brewer’s sparrows are highly adapted to dry environments year-round and can go weeks without drinking water.