Black-bellied bustard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-bellied bustard |
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| Male | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lissotis
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| Species: |
melanogaster
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| resident range | |
The black-bellied bustard (Lissotis melanogaster) is a cool bird that lives on the ground in Africa. It's also sometimes called the black-bellied korhaan. This bird is part of the bustard family, known for its unique looks and interesting behaviors.
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What Does the Black-bellied Bustard Look Like?
Black-bellied bustards are medium-sized birds, about 58–65 cm (23–26 in) long. Their beak and legs are a dull yellow color.
Male Bustards
Male black-bellied bustards have really striking colors!
- Their upper parts are a mix of black and brown marks on a yellowish-brown background.
- Their bellies are completely black.
- Their heads have bold patterns of black, white, and yellowish-brown.
- The neck is long and thin, yellowish-brown with a thin black line down the front. This line connects to their black chest.
- Their tail is brown and yellowish-brown with a few thin dark brown stripes.
- When they stand, you can see the white on their wings. This white stands out against their black undersides.
Female and Young Bustards
Female black-bellied bustards look quite different from the males.
- They are mostly a plain yellowish-brown color.
- They have darker brown spots on their backs.
- Their neck and chest have narrow, wavy bands, which help them blend in with their surroundings.
Young bustards are usually duller and darker than the adults. They have a dark gray head and yellowish-brown spots on their wings.
You can tell the black-bellied bustard apart from its close relative, Hartlaub's bustard, by looking at the patterns on their necks and rumps. Also, male black-bellied bustards have a white chin and area around their eyes, and females have those wavy bands.
Where Do Black-bellied Bustards Live?
You can find black-bellied bustards in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This means the areas of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. They like to live in:
- Savannas (grassy plains with scattered trees)
- Farm fields
- Tall, open grasslands
They are common in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, and Nigeria. These birds prefer places that get a lot of rain. In fact, in some areas, you might only see them after heavy rainfall.
How Do Black-bellied Bustards Behave?
Black-bellied bustards act a lot like other bustards when they are looking for food. They are usually quiet and careful.
Courtship Display
During courtship display, which is how males try to attract females, the male black-bellied bustard does something very special.
- He pulls his head back towards his body.
- He makes a short, rising, wheezy whistle sound, like "zhweeeeee."
- He pauses in this position.
- Then, he slowly raises his head.
- As he raises his head, he makes a popping sound, like "quock or plop", followed by soft gurgling noises. It's quite a show!
What Do Black-bellied Bustards Eat?
The black-bellied bustard is an omnivorous bird. This means it eats both plants and animals.
- They mainly eat small creatures without backbones, called invertebrates. This includes beetles, grasshoppers, cockroaches, ants, and other small insects.
- Their diet also includes plant-based foods. They eat vegetables, fruits like berries, flowers, seeds, and green leaves.
