Red-crested Bustard
Lophotis ruficrista
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<birdfyi-bird slug="lophotis-ruficrista"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small bustard (45-55 cm) found in savanna and bushveld of southern and East Africa. Sandy-brown plumage with a distinctive red-orange crest on males. Omnivore. Males perform dramatic leaping courtship displays. One of the most common small bustards in southern Africa.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 52.2 cm | 20.6 in |
| Weight | 617.0 g | 21.76 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Channel-billed Cuckoo: largest cuckoo; pale gray-white; dark wings; massive curved bill; red orbital ring; long dark tail; unique bill
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in savanna and bushveld of southern and East Africa from South Africa to Kenya. Resident.
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, low booming call; deep carrying bass notes audible impressively across open African savanna terrain.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes (Bustards) |
| Family | Otididae (Bustards) |
| Genus | Lophotis |
| Species | Lophotis ruficrista |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Red-crested Bustard eat?
Where does the Red-crested Bustard live?
Is the Red-crested Bustard endangered?
What does the Red-crested Bustard sound like?
How big is the Red-crested Bustard?
What order and family does the Red-crested Bustard belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Otididae family