Southern Black Bustard
Afrotis afra
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<birdfyi-bird slug="afrotis-afra"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized bustard (50-55 cm) endemic to the fynbos and strandveld of the Western Cape, South Africa. Males have black plumage with white wing patches. Females brown and cryptic. Omnivore of fynbos shrubland. Classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 58.2 cm | 22.9 in |
| Weight | 693.6 g | 24.47 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the fynbos and strandveld of the Western Cape, South Africa. Classified as Vulnerable.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivore of open grasslands, eating insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and green shoots. Beetles and grasshoppers are staple prey.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, low booming call; deep resonant notes carrying far across open South Asian grassland habitat. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes (Bustards) |
| Family | Otididae (Bustards) |
| Genus | Afrotis |
| Species | Afrotis afra |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Southern Black Bustard eat?
Where does the Southern Black Bustard live?
Is the Southern Black Bustard endangered?
How does the Southern Black Bustard nest?
What does the Southern Black Bustard sound like?
How big is the Southern Black Bustard?
What order and family does the Southern Black Bustard belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Otididae family