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Wednesday, 5 September 2018

15-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - NORTHERN BLACK KORHAAN (Afrotis afraoides)


The Northern Black Korhaan, also known as the White-quilled Bustard, is a striking member of the bustard family, Otididae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with black and white barring on the back and wings, while the head, neck, and underparts are cloaked in black. The female, in contrast, sports a pattern of black and buff bars and checks on the head, neck, breast, and upper parts, with a black belly. Both sexes boast red beaks and vivid yellow legs, but it is the male's white primary feathers that set this species apart from its close relative, the Southern Black Korhaan, which has black primaries.

When observing these birds, look for the male's distinctive black and white barred plumage and the female's more camouflaged black and buff pattern. The white primary feathers are a key identifier in flight. The red beak and yellow legs are also notable features to aid in identification.

The Northern Black Korhaan favors open grasslands with vegetation up to a meter tall, grassy dunes, semi-arid scrublands, and the expansive veldt.

This species is widely distributed across Southern Africa, with sightings confirmed in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and northern South Africa.