Rüppell's Bustard
Heterotetrax rueppelii
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<birdfyi-bird slug="heterotetrax-rueppelii"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small bustard (55-60 cm) found in the arid Namib desert and adjacent semi-arid regions of southwestern Africa. Sandy-brown plumage with intricate markings. Omnivore. Named after the German zoologist Eduard Rüppell. A near-endemic of the Namib desert region.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 63.1 cm | 24.8 in |
| Weight | 1129.0 g | 39.82 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Thick-billed Cuckoo (Pachycoccyx): dark brown above; pale buffy below; heavy bill; long graduated dark tail; Old World species
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the arid Namib desert and adjacent regions of southwestern Africa. A Namibian near-endemic.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivore of open grasslands, eating insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and green shoots. Beetles and grasshoppers are staple prey.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, grating bark with rough guttural quality; deep carrying calls audible across open African hillside.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes (Bustards) |
| Family | Otididae (Bustards) |
| Genus | Heterotetrax |
| Species | Heterotetrax rueppelii |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rüppell's Bustard eat?
Where does the Rüppell's Bustard live?
Is the Rüppell's Bustard endangered?
What does the Rüppell's Bustard sound like?
How big is the Rüppell's Bustard?
What order and family does the Rüppell's Bustard belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Otididae family