From Opus

Alternative name: Karoo Korhaan

Eupodotis vigorsii

Photo by Martin Hobbs
Karoo NP, South Africa, January 2011

[edit] Identification

Length 56-60 cm; mass 1.6 kg (males), 1.35 kg (females).

A grey-brown bustard with a black throat and plack patch on the nape. In flight, wings show a black-and-buff pattern.

Similar species: Rueppell's Bustard is whiter below, paler above, and has a blue-grey neck.

[edit] Distribution

Lesotho, southern Namibia and South Africa.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Subspecies¹

• E. v. namaqua - Arid s Namibia and Northern Cape Province
• E. v. vigorsii - Free State Province to Western Cape Province (South Africa).

[edit] Habitat

Mainly stony Karoo shrublands.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually seen in pairs or small groups. Forages for invertebrates, reptiles, grass and seeds while walking.

[edit] Breeding

Monogamous; cooperative breeding may occur. The nest is a shallow scrape, usually in stony ground with scattered rocks or small shrubs. A single egg is laid June to February. Incubated by the female; after hatching, chick and parents forage together.

[edit] References

1. Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2008. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
2. Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0620340533

[edit] External Links

Photo by balticbird