 | Quick Facts |  |
|  | Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Otididae
Genus: Ardeotis
Species: kori
Height: 42 inches
Weight: 30 - 50 lbs
Offspring: 1 - 2
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Kori BustardArdeotis kori  Walking (546 KB)
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The Kori bustard is one of the largest flying birds alive today. It is a slow-breeding bird with a long life span. It has no preen gland , which is used by other birds to secrete waterproofing oil, nor does it have a hind toe, which is used for perching in trees. This demonstrates that the Kori bustard is well designed for ground dwelling. Its camouflage feathers and nervous nature help it survive, but also hinder the study of their species.
The Kori bustard is omnivorous, meaning it will eat a variety of foods. This includes flowers, berries, seeds, beetles, grasshoppers, small amphibians, and sometimes even eggs from other birds. It eats while taking a slow walk along the ground. In fact, the name bustard means "the bird that walks."
Bustards in Africa are generally found in one of two areas. the first is from Zambezi southwest to the cape. The second is from the Nile to the Horn. The Kori bustard, however, can be found in both of these areas.
To impress the females, the male inflates its neck into a white ball. However, once the eggs are laid, the male does not participate in incubation. A female usually lays one or two eggs.
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