Ludwig's Bustard

Neotis ludwigii

Bustards · Otidiformes · Rare

The Ludwig's Bustard (Neotis ludwigii) is a rare bustard found in 5 countries, weighing about 3.3 kg. Ludwig's bustard is a species of bird in the bustard family, and named after Baron von Ludwig.

EndangeredRareEats omnivoreshrublandscrape nest3.3 kg

About the Ludwig's Bustard

Ludwig's bustard is a species of bird in the bustard family, and named after Baron von Ludwig. It is a medium-to-large sized species.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The Ludwig's bustard can weigh from 3 to 7.3 kg (6.6 to 16.1 lb), with a mean of 6.3 kg (14 lb) for the much larger male and 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) for the female. Length ranges from 76 to 85 cm (30 to 33 in) in females and 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in) in males. The bird's face and front neck are coloured grey-brown while the back of the neck and face is white. The nape of the neck is coloured a dull orange. Females and juveniles vary from the male adults by their smaller size and slightly lighter coloured front neck and face. Voice: The mating call of the Ludwig's bustard is a deep 'bloop' noise. Not a lot of more specific information on the vocalizations of this species is available.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Lesotho.

When to see it

The Ludwig's Bustard can be seen all year round, with peak activity in September. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Ludwig's Bustard?
The Ludwig's bustard can weigh from 3 to 7.3 kg (6.6 to 16.1 lb), with a mean of 6.3 kg (14 lb) for the much larger male and 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) for the female. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Ludwig's Bustard?
The Ludwig's Bustard is a huge sized bird weighing about 3.3 kg.
Where can you see a Ludwig's Bustard?
The Ludwig's Bustard occurs in 5 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Botswana.
What birds look similar to a Ludwig's Bustard?
The Ludwig's Bustard is most easily confused with the Denham's Bustard, the Heuglin's Bustard and the Nubian Bustard.
Is the Ludwig's Bustard endangered?
The Ludwig's Bustard is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Ludwig's Bustard for real

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