 |
Home - Books & Readings - Useful Contacts - Links - Tourism Representatives - Sitemap |  |
 |
 |
Kori Bustard
 |
|
 |
| Setswana name | Kgori |
| Scientific name | Ardeotis kori |
| Size | 105 - 150 cm |
Description: Kori bustard is a fairly common resident and it is the heaviest flying bird in Botswana. It is identified by huge size and crested head. Sexes alike but the male is about 20% larger than the female. It is common for the whole family Otididae to have elaborate displays involving plumage transformations, flight or unusual calls.
Voice: In courtship male calls a deep "wum, wum, wum, wum, wuuuuum".
Behaviour and habitat: They are seen single, in pairs or groups in woodland, grassy plains and Kalahari scrub. Kori bustard walks slowly with measured strides and flies reluctantly. In courtship male inflates its throat to spread outwards the white frontal neck feathers, the head with raised crest is drawn back, the wings are drooped and the tail deflected upwards and forwards to the neck.
The birds have a majestic walk and for their size are remarkably strong fliers. They take off with very heavy wing beats, but once air-borne they fly fast and strongly. They prefer to walk away from danger and only fly if pressed. When in a group, the birds walk in a loose line across the veld searching for food.
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |