Introduction
The Arabian Bustard, Ardeotis arabs, is a large terrestrial bird of the Sahel and south-western Arabia. Despite its common name, most of its range lies in Africa, where it occupies open, semi-arid landscapes. It is a resident species, although individuals may make local or seasonal movements in response to rainfall, food availability and disturbance.
Physical Description
The Arabian Bustard is a tall, long-legged bird measuring approximately 75–100 cm in height. Adult males are substantially heavier than females, weighing about 5.7–10 kg, while females weigh around 4.5 kg.
Its plumage is mainly brown above, with a greyish neck and paler underparts. The colouring provides effective camouflage in dry grassland, scrub and lightly wooded savanna. It has a long neck, broad wings and sturdy legs adapted to walking and foraging on the ground.
Males are larger and heavier than females. Adults are generally more strongly marked than juveniles, while young birds have softer, less contrasting plumage. The species is capable of powerful flight but normally spends much of its time walking through open country.
Range and Habitat
The Arabian Bustard occurs across parts of the Sahel, from Mauritania eastwards through Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia, with the range extending south into northern Somalia, South Sudan and northern Kenya. It also formerly occurred more widely in south-western Arabia, including Yemen and Saudi Arabia, although populations in parts of the Arabian Peninsula have declined severely and may have disappeared from some areas.
Typical habitat includes semi-arid grassland, open savanna, stony plains, lightly wooded country, seasonal floodplains and areas containing scattered acacias or other dryland trees. It may also use cultivated land where suitable open habitat remains, although agriculture, overgrazing and infrastructure development can reduce habitat quality.
The species is not generally regarded as a long-distance migrant. Local movements may occur after rainfall or when birds follow temporary increases in vegetation and invertebrate prey. Distribution and abundance vary considerably between regions, and the strongest remaining populations are associated with relatively secure areas of suitable habitat, particularly in Chad and parts of the Horn of Africa.
Where to See This Species
Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve, Chad
This large Sahelian reserve is one of the most reliable documented areas for Arabian Bustard. The reserve contains open grasslands, wadis and semi-arid plains suitable for bustards, and the species is reported there regularly. Sightings are most likely in open country, particularly where seasonal vegetation supports insects and other prey.
Nearby accommodation: The practical base is usually a supervised expedition or conservation camp arranged through the reserve, with further guest-house and hotel accommodation available in larger Chadian towns such as N’Djamena. Access can be logistically difficult and should be arranged with local authorities or an experienced conservation operator.
Zakouma National Park, Salamat Region, Chad
Arabian Bustard has been recorded in Zakouma National Park, where open grassy floodplains and wooded savanna provide suitable habitat. The park is a managed wildlife-viewing destination, although the species is not guaranteed and may be overlooked because of its cryptic plumage and wide-ranging behaviour. Early morning and late afternoon are sensible periods for searching open plains and seasonal watercourse margins.
Nearby accommodation: Visitor accommodation is centred on safari camps within or near the park, with Am Timan serving as the nearest recognised town and logistical gateway.
Awash National Park, Afar Region, Ethiopia
Awash National Park lies within the species’ documented Ethiopian range and contains dry grassland, open woodland and semi-arid plains. Arabian Bustard records have been reported from the park, making it a realistic location for experienced birdwatchers visiting the region. Searching broad open areas during cooler morning or late-afternoon periods is more suitable than looking in dense woodland.
Nearby accommodation: Accommodation is available through lodges, guest houses and camps in and around the Awash area, with Awash town providing the main local gateway.
Behaviour and Diet
Arabian Bustards are mainly terrestrial and are often seen walking steadily through open habitat while searching for food. They are generally solitary or occur in pairs and small groups, although several birds may gather where food or water is locally concentrated.
Activity is greatest during cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and late afternoon, although the species may also feed at other times. Its diet is varied and includes grasshoppers, locusts, beetles and other invertebrates, as well as small reptiles, rodents, seeds and occasionally small birds or nestlings. Most food is taken from the ground or close to ground level.
Breeding information is limited in many parts of the range. The female lays one or two eggs in a shallow, unlined scrape on the ground and undertakes incubation and most care of the young. Ground nesting makes eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators, trampling, fire, livestock and human disturbance.
Identification Tips
- Look for a large, upright bustard with long legs, a long neck and a relatively slender appearance for its size.
- The upperparts are mainly brown, while the neck is greyish and the underparts are paler.
- Arabian Bustards are usually found walking in open country rather than perching in trees.
- In flight, the broad wings and substantial body are conspicuous, but the bird can be difficult to detect at a distance because of its subdued colouring.
- The Arabian Bustard is larger and more robust than the Nubian Bustard, which is generally more rufous and strongly contrasting in appearance.
- It may resemble a Kori Bustard in general shape, but the Arabian Bustard is usually slimmer and has less boldly patterned underparts. Range is also an important identification clue.
Conservation Status
The Arabian Bustard is currently assessed as Near Threatened. Its global population is decreasing, and the species has undergone a severe contraction in parts of its former range.
The principal threats are hunting, including organised hunting pressure, habitat loss, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and repeated burning of dryland vegetation. In parts of the Arabian Peninsula and the western Sahel, the species has become extremely rare or may have disappeared locally.
Important conservation measures include protecting remaining strongholds, improving control of hunting, maintaining large areas of open natural habitat and monitoring populations across national borders. Surveys in protected areas are particularly valuable because the species is easily missed and reliable population estimates are not available for much of its range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Arabian Bustard live?
It occurs mainly in the Sahel and parts of the Horn of Africa, with a much-reduced distribution in south-western Arabia. It uses open semi-arid grassland, savanna, stony plains, seasonal floodplains and lightly wooded country.
Is the Arabian Bustard found in the Arabian Peninsula?
Yes, but it is now extremely rare in parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The species formerly occurred in areas including Yemen and Saudi Arabia, while recent evidence indicates severe regional declines and possible local extirpations.
What does the Arabian Bustard eat?
Its diet includes grasshoppers, locusts, beetles and other invertebrates, together with small reptiles, rodents, seeds and occasional small birds or nestlings.
How large is an Arabian Bustard?
It is approximately 75–100 cm tall. Males weigh about 5.7–10 kg, while females weigh around 4.5 kg.
Is the Arabian Bustard migratory?
It is generally considered resident rather than a long-distance migrant. However, individuals may make local or seasonal movements in response to rainfall, food availability and changing habitat conditions.
What threatens the Arabian Bustard?
The main threats are hunting, habitat degradation, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and habitat fires. Its decline is especially severe in areas where open habitat has been heavily disturbed or hunting pressure is high.
References
- BirdLife International
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species
- Sahara Conservation
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