Bustard

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Black-bellied Bustard

Denham's Bustard (Neotis denhami) (7083219537)

Great Indian Bustard from DNP (cropped)

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Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Castuera, Extremadura, Spain

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Drop fúzatý (Otis tarda) (2416576086)

Bustards are a group of large terrestrial birds that belong to the family Otididae. They are known for their distinctive body shape, with long legs and necks, enabling them to forage in grasslands for seeds, insects, and other small animals. Bustards are found across various continents, primarily in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and steppes. This article provides an overview of their characteristics, habitat, behavior, and conservation status.

Characteristics

Bustards are among the heaviest flying birds. The Great Bustard (Otis tarda), for example, can weigh up to 21 kg (46 lbs) for males, making it one of the world's heaviest birds capable of flight. Females are significantly smaller than males across all bustard species. These birds have a distinctive appearance with a stout body, long legs for walking through grass, and a long neck similar to that of the related cranes. Their plumage is generally cryptic, blending well with their grassland habitats, which aids in camouflage from predators.

Habitat and Distribution

Bustards inhabit a wide range of open landscapes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They prefer habitats with low vegetation, which allows them to see predators from a distance. Human activities, such as agriculture and development, have led to habitat fragmentation and loss, significantly impacting bustard populations worldwide.

Behavior

Bustards are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plants, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. They are ground-dwelling birds, foraging by walking and picking food from the ground. Most species are not migratory, although some, like the Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), undertake seasonal movements in response to changing weather and food availability.

Reproduction in bustards involves elaborate courtship displays, primarily by males, to attract females. These displays often include puffing up feathers, raising tails, and performing specific dances or calls. After mating, females lay eggs on the ground, where they also incubate them without much assistance from males.

Conservation

Many bustard species are facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and collision with power lines. The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), for example, is classified as Critically Endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining. Conservation efforts for bustards include habitat protection, research, and in some cases, captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

See Also

• Bird migration
• Conservation status
• Habitat destruction