Alternative name: Karoo Korhaan
- Eupodotis vigorsii
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.
Distribution
Lesotho, southern Namibia and South Africa.
Taxonomy
Subspecies1
- E. v. namaqua - southern Namibia and northwestern South Africa
- E. v. vigorsii - southwestern South Africa.
Habitat
Mainly stony Karoo shrublands.
Behaviour
Usually seen in pairs or small groups. Forages for invertebrates, reptiles, grass and seeds while walking.
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.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2014. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.9., with updates to August 2014. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- 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
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Karoo Bustard. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 25 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Karoo_Bustard
