Details
Ardeotis arabs
The Arabian bustard is a large bird of deserts and grasslands from northeastern Africa into Arabia. Diurnal and mostly solitary, it forages on the ground.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses dry grassland, semidesert, and open country with low vegetation. Visibility and enough cover for concealment both matter.
Wingspan is about 150-170 cm and weight about 4-10 kg. Long legs and neck, brown mottling, and a large walking body are characteristic.
Diurnal birds move alone or in small numbers. When disturbed, they often walk away before taking strong flight if needed.
It is omnivorous, eating herbs, seeds, insects, and small animals. Food is picked from the ground while walking.
A shallow nest is made on the ground, where eggs and chicks blend with the surroundings. Adults guard young in open habitat.
Its status is listed as Near Threatened. Dryland conversion, hunting pressure, and disturbance at breeding sites are concerns.
