Australian Bustard
Least ConcernArdeotis australis
Visual Identification
Australian Bustard
Appearance
The Australian Bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird with long legs and a slender neck. Males are significantly larger, reaching up to 1.2 meters in height. They sport a distinctive black cap, white eyebrows, and a black breast band that contrasts with their grey-brown plumage.
Females are smaller and less conspicuous, with mottled brown and grey feathers providing excellent camouflage. Both sexes have a pale grey beak and long, yellow legs. Juveniles resemble females but have more streaking on their upperparts.
Size
Length
100cm to 140cm
Wingspan
190cm to 230cm
Weight
4.5kg to 12kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Australian Bustards inhabit open country across Australia, including grasslands, sparse woodlands, and inland scrublands. They prefer areas with a mix of native grasses and open ground for foraging and displaying.
While primarily found in mainland Australia, they occasionally appear in southern New Guinea. Their distribution can vary seasonally, with birds moving in response to rainfall and food availability, showcasing their nomadic nature.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Diet
Australian Bustards are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and fruits.
They are particularly fond of grasshoppers and are known to follow bushfires to prey on fleeing insects and small animals. Their foraging behaviour helps control agricultural pests in some areas.
These birds are ground feeders and mainly feed during the morning and later in the afternoon. When they find food, they use their short bills to grab things and then swallow them whole.
Behaviour
Australian Bustards are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males inflate a large throat sac and strut with fanned tail feathers. They are generally solitary but may form small groups when food is abundant.
These birds are mainly terrestrial, preferring to walk or run rather than fly, but are capable of swift flight when necessary.
Vocalisation
Australian Bustard's are predominantly quiet birds, but their most distinctive call is a deep, resonant 'oom' sound produced by males during courtship. This booming call can carry for long distances across open landscapes.
Females and non-breeding birds may emit softer grunts or hisses, particularly when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season for Australian Bustards typically coincides with periods of abundant food, often following rains. Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, inflating their throat sacs and strutting with fanned tail feathers.
Females lay a single egg (occasionally two) directly on the ground, usually in a slight depression among grasses or low vegetation. The egg is olive-brown with darker blotches, providing camouflage against predators.
Incubation lasts about 23-24 days and is carried out solely by the female. The chick is precocial, able to walk and feed itself shortly after hatching, but it remains under maternal care for several months.
Lifespan
years
The Australian Bustard typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, the Australian Bustard has experienced local declines due to habitat loss, hunting, and predation by introduced species.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and management, particularly in areas where agricultural expansion threatens their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for bustards in open grasslands or lightly wooded areas, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
- Listen for their deep, booming call during the breeding season.
- Observe from a distance, as they are wary of human presence and may flee if approached too closely.
- In Australia, check recently burned areas where they often forage for insects.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Plains Turkey, Bush Turkey
Family:
OtididaePredators
Did You Know?
- The Australian Bustard can go for long periods without drinking, obtaining most of its water from its food.
- It's one of the heaviest flying birds native to Australia, with some males weighing up to 12 kg.
- Indigenous Australians have long hunted the bustard, which features in their Dreamtime stories and rock art.
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FAQs
Can Australian Bustards fly?
Yes, Australian Bustards are the heaviest bird capable of flying in Australia, although they prefer to walk most of the time. If you are lucky enough to see one of these birds in flight, it can be an extremely fascinating sight.
Can you eat Australian Bustards?
These birds are still eaten today in parts of central Australia. They are an important source of food for Aboriginal people.
References
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website: BirdLife International. 2016. Ardeotis australis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22691940A93330335.
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