Nubian bustard explained

The Nubian bustard (Neotis nuba) is a species of bird in the bustard family. This is a medium-large bustard found in the sparsely vegetated interface between the southern margins of the Sahara desert and the northern part of the Sahel. It is found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

Description

In this species, males average around 5- and measure around 80cm (30inches) in length and 180cm (70inches) in wingspan. Females are much smaller at around 3kg (07lb) and 60cm (20inches) in length and 150cm (60inches) across the wings.[1] It is smaller than the sympatric Arabian bustard, as well as more rufous with a different body shape. Compared to larger bustards the Nubian has a more rounded body, a relatively long, thin neck and a rounded head.

Life history

Observation of breeding has occurred from July to October have been reported across the species' range.

Young birds and eggs are threatened by a wider range of predators, including mammalian carnivores and reptiles.

Conservation

Classified as Near-Threatened by the IUCN, its main threat is habitat loss.

References

Notes and References

  1. Beaman & Madge, The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic. Princeton University Press (1998),