Species Profile
Australian Bustard
Ardeotis australis
Australian Bustard
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
100–140 cm
Weight
4500–12000 g
Wingspan
190–230 cm
Migration
Nomadic
Also known as: Plains Turkey, Bush Turkey
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Markings
Less contrasting plumage than males, lacking the black cap and throat
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Conservation
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.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Australian Bustards have few natural predators due to their size, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to dingoes, foxes, feral cats, and large birds of prey.
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.
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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