Hartlaub's Bustard
Lissotis hartlaubii
A medium-sized, long-legged, long-necked bustard. The male has a striking black face pattern and a black line down the neck that connects to the black belly. The female is much plainer. In flight, shows a mostly white wing and a black rump. An uncommon species of grassland and savanna. Male is similar to male Black-bellied Bustard, but separated by blacker face with a cleaner white mark on the cheek. Females are very similar, but Hartlaub’s has a pale line down the faintly speckled neck. In flight, Hartlaub’s also shows less black in the wing and a black rump. The male Hartlaub’s gives a click, a pop, and a moan, which sometimes precede a display flight in which he jumps up into the air and then parachutes down.
Identification
At 60 cm (24 in), they are larger than the similar Black-bellied bustard but greyer and more clearly marked in face, and the lower back with blackish tail. They have a small head set on a long neck, and a bulky body with large legs. The female is similar in appearance to the male, but with a cream-coloured head and hind neck with dark brown markings, a whitish belly and paler tail.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lissotis hartlaubii
- Authority
- (Heuglin, 1863)
- Order
- Otidiformes
- Family
- Otididae
- Genus
- Lissotis
Range and habitat
Hartlaub's bustard are associated with lightly wooded grasslands containing Acacia trees, up to 2000 metres above sea level.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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Like many other snowfinches, the Blanford’s is found in open areas on high-altitude steppes and hills, but generally prefers drier areas than other species. Predominantly white and brown with a black crescent curving around the front of the face and a pale orange one curving around the back, giving the bird a somewhat round-cheeked appearance. Often quite tame, taking scraps from hikers, monks, and shepherds.
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