White-bellied Bustard
Eupodotis senegalensis
The White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis) is a rare bustard found in 21 countries, weighing about 585 g. The white-bellied bustard or white-bellied korhaan is an African species of bustard.
About the White-bellied Bustard
The white-bellied bustard or white-bellied korhaan is an African species of bustard. It is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa in grassland and open woodland habitats. Despite its wide distribution and easily identifiable characteristics, very few studies have been conducted on this species and little is known about its life history and behavior.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It is one of the smaller bustards, 48 to 61 centimetres (19 to 24 in) long. All are tawny brown above and on the breast and white on the belly, with cream-coloured legs; juveniles have light brown necks and heads, and adults have blue-grey necks. The adult female has a grey crown, a brown and buff line below the eye, and black speckling on the throat. The adult male has a black crown, black lines on the white cheeks, a black throat patch, and a pinkish-red bill. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the males are larger than the females. Voice: The white-bellied bustard's calls can be heard year-round, mostly at dusk or dawn or during rainfall. Both males and females vocalize. The most recognizable of its sounds is a croaking call (a guttural "kuk-kur-ruk" or "kuk-kaaah"), which is used in territorial defense among other purposes.
What the White-bellied Bustard sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania.
When to see it
The White-bellied Bustard can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-bellied Bustard?
- It is one of the smaller bustards, 48 to 61 centimetres (19 to 24 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-bellied Bustard?
- The White-bellied Bustard is a large sized bird weighing about 585 g.
- Where can you see a White-bellied Bustard?
- The White-bellied Bustard occurs in 21 countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
- What does a White-bellied Bustard sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the White-bellied Bustard on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a White-bellied Bustard?
- The White-bellied Bustard is most easily confused with the Blue Korhaan.
- Is the White-bellied Bustard endangered?
- The White-bellied Bustard is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-bellied Bustard for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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