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Kori Bustard
(Ardeodis kori)
This large bodied bird is native to the deserts and savannas of southern Africa. Standing at a height of about three feet and males weighing up to 40 pounds, they are the heaviest flying bird on earth.
The kori bustard is a cryptically colored ground bird consisting mostly of browns and grays. Their main body being a buffy brown color with a white underside, on their shoulder area is boldly patterned with white and black. Starting at the base of their neck is a thick black band leading up to their finely barred white and grey patterned neck. The large head is white with fine black markings and a black crest and a white eye stripe. The males are also about 20-30% larger than the females.
Being omnivorous they will forage for seeds, berries, and grasses along with various insects and small vertebrates. Their diet includes anything from locusts, caterpillars, beetles, lizards, snakes and mice.
Species Overview:
Common name: Kori Bustard
Scientific name: Ardeodis kori
Family: Otididae
Conservation status: Near threatened
Estimated population: 2,000-5,000 individuals
Wingspan: 7ft 7in to 9ft
Weight: 24- 42 pounds
Distribution: Southern Africa
Habitat: Open grasslands; savannas, deserts
Diet: Grasses, seeds, insects, small vertabrates
Main threats: Habitat fragmentation and poaching
Eggs: pale olive colored with brown splotches
Nest Style: shallow dent, not lined
Random Facts:
- Heaviest flying bird
- Reaches sexual maturity in about 3 years
- Lifespan is up to 27 years
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