Australian Bustard vs Denham's Bustard

Ardeotis australis compared with Neotis denhami

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Australian Bustard Denham's Bustard
Scientific Name Ardeotis australis Neotis denhami
Order Otidiformes Otidiformes
Family Otididae Otididae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length — —
Wingspan 118.5 cm (46.7 in) 111.8 cm (44.0 in)
Weight 4570.0 g (161.20 oz) 5567.75 g (196.40 oz)
Diet Omnivore of Australian open country; eats insects, small reptiles, seeds, and green vegetation. Beetles, locusts, … Omnivore of African grasslands; feeds on insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and green shoots. Beetles and …
Clutch Size 1-3 1-2
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Australian Bustard only

Denham's Bustard only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Australian Bustard

Song

Loud, low booming call with hollow quality; deep resonant sound carrying across open African semi-desert terrain.

Denham's Bustard

Song

Deep, resonant booming call with dramatic quality; powerful bass notes audible across open African plains.

Geographic Range & Migration

Australian Bustard

Found across open grasslands and woodland of Australia, including arid interior regions. Resident and nomadic.

Denham's Bustard

Found in grasslands and savanna across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa. Resident.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Australian Bustard

Near Threatened

Denham's Bustard

About These Birds

Australian Bustard

A large bustard (up to 120 cm, 3-8 kg) found across open grasslands and woodland of Australia. Sandy-brown plumage with black crown and neck markings. Australia's heaviest flying bird. Omnivore of grasslands. Males perform an impressive balloon-like throat display during courtship.

Denham's Bustard

A large bustard (80-116 cm) found in grasslands and savanna across sub-Saharan Africa. Brown plumage with grey neck and rufous hindneck patch. Omnivore. Named after Major Dixon Denham. The most widespread large bustard in Africa.

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