White-bellied Bustard

Least Concern

Eupodotis senegalensis

With its distinctive black-and-white pattern and proud strut across the African savannah, this striking grassland bird puts on quite a show during its elaborate courtship displays.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The White-bellied Bustard is a fairly small bird with a distinctive appearance. Males have a distinctive head pattern, greyish-blue neck, and tawny-buff upperparts that contrast with their white bellies. The wings show black flight feathers with some white on the inner parts and tawny-buff coverts.

Females are more subtly marked and have less distinct head patterning. Both sexes share the characteristic white belly that gives the species its name, though their overall colouring varies across their African range, with some populations considered possibly distinct species.

Size

Length

48cm to 61cm

Wingspan

110cm to 120cm

Weight

1.1kg to 1.4kg

Colours

Primary Colour

Brown White

Secondary Colour

Black Grey

Beak Colour

Grey Pink

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

White-bellied Bustards inhabit open grasslands, savannahs, and lightly wooded areas across sub-Saharan Africa. They are found from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Tanzania and northern Mozambique.

These birds prefer areas with short grass and scattered trees or bushes. They are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories in suitable habitats throughout their range.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 65
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 45
Endurance 70

Diet

The White-bellied Bustard has an omnivorous diet. It primarily feeds on insects, particularly grasshoppers and beetles, but also consumes small reptiles, seeds, and plant material.

They forage by walking slowly through grasslands, picking food items from the ground or vegetation.

Behaviour

White-bellied Bustards are typically solitary or found in small groups. They are ground-dwelling birds, preferring to walk or run rather than fly when disturbed.

During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, inflating their necks and making short, strutting runs to attract females.

Vocalisation

The White-bellied Bustard has a distinctive call, described as a far-carrying 'woop-woop' or 'whoop-whoop'.

Males often vocalise during courtship displays, producing a series of deep, resonant hoots that can be heard from a considerable distance across the grasslands.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for White-bellied Bustards varies by region but often coincides with the rainy season. Males establish territories and perform elaborate displays to attract females.

The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, often hidden in tall grass or under a bush. Females typically lay 1-2 eggs, which are olive-brown with dark blotches.

Incubation lasts about 23 days, carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching but remain with the female for several months.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, the White-bellied Bustard faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and overgrazing.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving grassland habitats and reducing human disturbance in key breeding areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Unknown

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[2]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for White-bellied Bustards in open grasslands and savannahs
  • Listen for their distinctive, far-carrying 'woop-woop' call
  • Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
  • Use binoculars to spot their distinctive white belly against the grass
  • Be patient and still, as they can be shy and quick to hide

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

White-bellied Korhaan

Family:

Otididae

Predators

Main predators include large raptors such as eagles and hawks, as well as terrestrial carnivores like jackals and wildcats.

Did You Know?

  1. Male White-bellied Bustards can inflate their necks to three times their normal size during courtship displays.
  2. These birds have excellent camouflage and will often freeze in place when threatened, relying on their plumage to blend with their surroundings.
  3. White-bellied Bustards are capable of drinking water through capillary action without needing to tilt their heads back.

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References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Eupodotis senegalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22691996A263667271.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 1996: del Hoyo et al.