Arabian Bustard vs Asian Houbara

Ardeotis arabs compared with Chlamydotis macqueenii

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Arabian Bustard Asian Houbara
Scientific Name Ardeotis arabs Chlamydotis macqueenii
Order Otidiformes Otidiformes
Family Otididae Otididae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Vulnerable
Length — —
Wingspan 107.9 cm (42.5 in) 76.7 cm (30.2 in)
Weight 6733.333333333333 g (237.51 oz) 2068.75 g (72.97 oz)
Diet Omnivore of arid grasslands and semi-desert; takes insects, small lizards, seeds, and green shoots. Locusts … Omnivore of Asian steppe and desert; eats insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and green shoots. Beetles …
Clutch Size 1-2 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Arabian Bustard only

None

Asian Houbara only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Arabian Bustard

Song

Deep, resonant booming call with carrying quality; powerful bass notes audible at impressive range across open savanna.

Asian Houbara

Song

Deep, resonant booming call with carrying quality; powerful bass notes audible at considerable range across plains.

Geographic Range & Migration

Arabian Bustard

Found in dry grasslands and semi-desert across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Resident and nomadic.

Asian Houbara

Found in arid steppes from the Middle East through Central Asia to western China. Long-distance migrant.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Arabian Bustard

Vulnerable

Asian Houbara

About These Birds

Arabian Bustard

A very large bustard (up to 90 cm, 7-15 kg) found in dry grasslands and semi-desert across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Sandy-brown plumage with a distinctive black crown. Omnivore of open arid habitats. Classified as Near Threatened due to hunting and habitat loss.

Asian Houbara

A medium-sized bustard (55-65 cm) found in arid steppes from the Middle East to Central Asia. Sandy-buff plumage with fine dark markings. Omnivore. Long-distance migrant. Classified as Vulnerable due to hunting, powerline collisions, and habitat loss across its vast Asian range.

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