Little Brown Bustard
Heterotetrax humilis
A small and relatively short-necked bustard. The male has a black-and-gray pattern on the head, while the female is plainer, but with abundant white spotting. Both sexes show a white belly. A white bar across the wing is conspicuous in flight. Found in dry savanna, shrubland, and semi-desert habitats. Often in pairs. Smaller than other bustards in its range. Somewhat like Buff-crested Bustard, but has a white rather than black belly.
Identification
The smallest species in its genus, the little brown bustard reaches a maximum length of about 45 cm (18 in). They are light brown birds with whitish underparts. The male has a black tuft on the nape, and a black throat speckled with white. The female lacks these black areas, instead having heavy buff spotting on the back, wings and breast. Both male and female have dark flight feathers on the wings, and when flying show a slender white wing-bar, which divides the black feathers from the sandy-brown wing coverts. The female white-bellied bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis), which has a wider range, is larger and darker and has bluish-grey colouring on the back of the neck. The call of the little brown bustard is uttered with the neck outstretched and the head thrown back and is a high-pitched, rattling sound.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Heterotetrax humilis
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1855)
- Order
- Otidiformes
- Family
- Otididae
- Genus
- Heterotetrax
Range and habitat
The little brown bustard is endemic to the Horn of Africa, where its range includes southern and eastern Ethiopia and northern and central Somalia. Its typical habitat is dry scrub and open thornbush, and it sometimes moves out onto tussocky plains. It occurs at altitudes of up to 1,500 m (5,000 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Bustards are ground dwelling birds, walking briskly on sturdy legs, foraging as they go. They are able to fly but seem to prefer running and walking. The diet of the little brown bustard consists of seeds, buds, insects and small vertebrates such as lizards. The breeding season is from April to August; two eggs (occasionally three) are laid on the ground and incubated by the female.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Junin Grebe
Podiceps taczanowskii
Critically endangered grebe found only on Lake Junín in the high Andes of central Peru. Adults are gray and white with a ruby-red eye; young birds have a brownish tinge. Extremely similar to the far more common Silvery Grebe, but Junin Grebe is slightly larger with a longer bill, a skinnier neck, darker flanks, and a paler bill. These differences are more evident when both species are present, to allow for direct comparison. Not easily seen or identified from the lakeshore; a boat is usually needed for close-up views.
Papuan Eclectus
Eclectus polychloros
Robust, big-headed, and rather short-tailed parrot endemic to Papua and Cape York (Australia) and introduced to Solomon Islands, where it inhabits lowland and foothill forests. Male bright green with red underwings and orange bill, female bright red with violet belly and dark bill. Usually seen flying above forests at first light, squawking loudly. Calls include an ear-shattering, high-pitched squawk, as well as a lower, rasping caw. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Eclectus Parrot.”
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker
Melanerpes cruentatus
Loud, colorful woodpecker of lowland forest. Bold black and yellow coloration is distinctive. Frequently perches on tall snags in mature forest and secondary growth. Highly social and is often seen in groups, especially around nesting colonies.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.