Species Profile
White-bellied Bustard
Eupodotis senegalensis
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
48–61 cm
Weight
1100–1400 g
Wingspan
110–120 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: White-bellied Korhaan
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Markings
Finely barred plumage, lacking black neck and crown of males
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
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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
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
Did You Know?
- Male White-bellied Bustards can inflate their necks to three times their normal size during courtship displays.
- These birds have excellent camouflage and will often freeze in place when threatened, relying on their plumage to blend with their surroundings.
- White-bellied Bustards are capable of drinking water through capillary action without needing to tilt their heads back.
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