Description
The black-bellied bustard (Lissotis melanogaster) is a species of bustard found across most of sub-Saharan Africa. The male is known for his distinctive black belly and chest, which contrasts with the mostly light brown plumage. The male also has black and white facial markings. Females are duller in coloration, has a pale belly and no distinct facial markings. Both sexes grow to about 60 cm (almost 2 feet) in length, but males are heavier. This species is very similar to the Hartlaub’s bustard (Lissotis hartlaubii) found around the Horn of Africa, but the Hartlaub’s bustard is often more grey in appearance.
Diet & habitat
This bird thrives in open habitats, including grasslands and lightly wooded savannas. Its diet primarily consists of insects, seeds, and small vertebrates. The black-bellied bustard is known for its unique feeding behavior, where it walks slowly and deliberately, pausing frequently to look and listen for prey before pouncing.
Nesting
Breeding season for the black-bellied bustard varies depending on the region, but it generally occurs during the rainy season. Males are polygynous, which means one male mates with several females. The male’s courtship display is a spectacle: he puffs up his neck, raises his tail, and emits a loud and distinct “pop” sound, which can be heard from a considerable distance. This sound has given the bird its moniker the “champagne bird”, as it resembles the sound of the popping of a champagne bottle.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often concealed by tall grass. The female lays one to two eggs, which she incubates for about 23 days. Fledging occurs within a few weeks, with chicks being precocial and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching.
Status
The black-bellied bustard has a large range across Africa, and is common in many open areas. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion and human settlement. Its populations are also affected by hunting in some areas. It is currently classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
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