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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