Australian Bustard

Facts

scientific name

Ardeotis australis

conservation status

Least Concern

weight

4.3 - 12.8 Kilograms

diet

They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects and small reptiles.

habitat

Australian Bustards are found on dry plains, grasslands and in open woodland.

The Australian or Kori Bustard is a member of a widespread family of birds called Ardeotis meaning ‘heron-bustard’ and is found throughout Africa, Southern Asia and Australasia. The Bustards height ranges from 80-120cm, with large differences in the heights of the adult male and female. The Bustard is one of Australia’s heaviest flying birds, with male Bustards weighing up to 8 kilograms and sporting a wingspan averaging 2 meters. They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects and small reptiles. The Australian Bustard has an impressive courtship display. During the breeding season (Oct-Dec) the male bustard inflates an air sack on his upper breast, cocks his tail, sways from side to side and releases a loud noise, to attract and impress the female. After mating, the female generally only lays 1 egg and incubates it on bare ground for 23-24 days with no input from the male