Alternative name: Karoo Korhaan
- Eupodotis vigorsii
Identification
Length 56-60 cm; mass 1.6 kg (males), 1.35 kg (females).
A grey-brown bustard with a black throat and plack patch on the nape. In flight, wings show a black-and-buff pattern.
Similar species: Rueppell's Bustard is whiter below, paler above, and has a blue-grey neck.
Distribution
Lesotho, southern Namibia and South Africa.
Taxonomy
Subspecies1
- E. v. namaqua - Arid s Namibia and Northern Cape Province
- E. v. vigorsii - Free State Province to Western Cape Province (South Africa).
Habitat
Mainly stony Karoo shrublands.
Behaviour
Usually seen in pairs or small groups. Forages for invertebrates, reptiles, grass and seeds while walking.
Breeding
Monogamous; cooperative breeding may occur. The nest is a shallow scrape, usually in stony ground with scattered rocks or small shrubs. A single egg is laid June to February. Incubated by the female; after hatching, chick and parents forage together.
References
- Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2008. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
- Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0620340533
