23-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) is the largest flying bird native to Africa. It is a member of the bustard family, which all belong to the order Otidiformes and are restricted in distribution to the Old World. It is one of the four species (ranging from Africa to India to Australia) in the large-bodied genus Ardeotis. The male kori bustard may be the heaviest living animal capable of flight.

This species, like most bustards, is a ground-dwelling bird and an opportunistic omnivore. Male kori bustards, which can be more than twice as heavy as the female, attempt to breed with as many females as possible and take no part in the raising of the young. The nest is a shallow hollow in the earth, often disguised by nearby obstructive objects such as trees.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.

18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.

18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.