Arabian Bustard vs Great Bustard

Ardeotis arabs compared with Otis tarda

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Arabian Bustard Great Bustard
Scientific Name Ardeotis arabs Otis tarda
Order Otidiformes Otidiformes
Family Otididae Otididae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Endangered
Length
Wingspan 107.9 cm (42.5 in) 110.2 cm (43.4 in)
Weight 6733.333333333333 g (237.51 oz) 8100.0 g (285.72 oz)
Diet Omnivore of arid grasslands and semi-desert; takes insects, small lizards, seeds, and green shoots. Locusts … Omnivore of open steppes; eats insects, small vertebrates, green shoots, and seeds. Beetles, grasshoppers, and …
Clutch Size 1-2 2-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Arabian Bustard only

Great Bustard only

Song & Call Comparison

Arabian Bustard

Song

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

Great Bustard

Song

Deep, resonant booming call; powerful bass notes audible at great distance across open semi-arid plains.

Geographic Range & Migration

Arabian Bustard

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

Great Bustard

Found in open grasslands and steppes across Eurasia from Iberia to China. Partial migrant. Classified as Vulnerable.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Arabian Bustard

Endangered

Great Bustard

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.

Great Bustard

The heaviest flying bird in Europe (7-18 kg, up to 105 cm) with a massive grey-brown body and white underparts. Males have prominent whisker-like feathers. Found in open grasslands and steppes across Eurasia. Omnivore. Long-distance migrant. Classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss.

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