Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori).
The Kori Bustard is a large bird native to Africa. It is a member of the bustard family. It may be the heaviest bird capable of flight.
The male Kori Bustard is 120 to 150 cm (3.9 to 4.9 ft.), stands 71–120 cm (2.33–3.9 ft.) tall and have a wingspan about 230 to 275 cm (7.5 to 9.02 ft.). On average, male birds weigh between 10.9–16 kg (24–35 lb.), averaging 13.5 kg (30 lb.) but exceptional birds may weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb.).
Kori Bustards spend most of their time on the ground, though can forage occasionally in low bushes and trees. Being a large and heavy bird, it avoids flying if possible. This bustard is a watchful and wary bird. This large bird has a loud, booming mating call which is often uttered just before dawn and can be heard from far away.
they are quite omnivorous birds. Insects are an important food source, with common species such as locusts, grasshoppers, dung beetles and caterpillars being most often taken. Small vertebrates may also be taken regularly, including lizards, chameleons, snakes, small mammals and bird eggs and nestlings.
The breeding season is between October and March, the males hold their heads backwards, with cheeks bulging, the crest is held erect, the bill open and they inflate their gular pouches, forming a white throat "balloon". They have polygamous breeding habits, where one male displays to attract several females and mates with them all… typical macho man…
Looks like his head belongs to another bird!
Does a bit..
I like the last photo, comletely in camouflage 🙂
Great camouflage!
Russ
That it has… thanks…
Such an interesting bird it has a prehistoric look combined with ostrich and sandhill crane.
Yes it does now that you mention it…
Great pics! He’s a lovely looking bustard 😉 He has neck feathers that make him look like a very young bird, but I’m assuming he’s an adult and those grey feathers don’t change colour…
No he is definitely an adult… and when attracting a partner raises the tail displaying a woolly looking feather base that makes in appear like a powder puff…
What a majestic creature with a very fascinating life cycle. Your adventures inspires me my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you and yours…
He almost has a slight prehistoric look to him! Another bird I’ve never heard of…my list is very long! 🙂
Thank you… my list is just as long of those I still have to find and photo…
What gorgeous plumage your bird has. Very good catch!
Thank you.. quite a beauty…
He’s a big beautiful collage of textures, great shots!
Thank you…
I wonder if all those patterns in the feathers serve as camouflage – amazing bird – great set!
It is all about camouflage I think… not always an easy bird to find…
Il piumaggio è molto bello, il muso un po’ meno 😆
Grazie alle tue belle foto scopro sempre nuove specie animali e tante belle notizie
Ciao, Pat
Thank you so much Pat… its plumage is different and beautiful…
Interesting bird again. Just love the small feathers it has on its neck. Lovely … and a big bird too. Thanks for sharing and for your great job. Kori … will remember that name and those legs too – strong. So can it protect itself when it can’t fly away … ???
I think it is a fairly strong bird and has the respect of many…
A stunning bird too. Love his neck. Kori neck .. I think i will get a jumper with feathers like that around my neck.
That must be a huge bird.. cool.. now I am going to look at the elephant.. i am behind! have a great day.. c
Thanks Cecilla… enjoy your holiday and stop worrying about the blogs…
What a gorgeous looking bustard. 🙂 Those neck feathers look so soft and downy.
They are and when he is in a mating mood he flips his tail up puffs out the neck.. and looks a bit like a woman;s powder puff..(do women still use those things or am I out dated.?)
Wow — could you imagine them usuing this guy instead of “Big Bird” on Sesame Street??? ~ not sure the kids would be as accepting ! ~ He has quite the presence – and you captured it well bulldog! xo 👍
Thank you Robyn… they are kind of regal in stature and give that off when walking… I just need to capture one flying they are quite magnificent…xx
It looks exactly like a bigger version of this baby peacock on my shoulder! Amazing resemblance.
Now that’s an interesting thought …maybe you got a Kori and not a peacock…
It could make a good meal for a family, if it’s edible.
Not sure I would eat it… but then I don’t like turkey…. might be very wild tasting…
Interesting critter; he is so beautifully adapted to his environment that he blends in perfectly; even those little dark dots in his feathers work their way into the background. Lovely shots, Bulldog.
Thank you… it is well camouflaged and will often stand still and watch you pass by…
There faces look a little scary. Nice pics Bulldog 🙂
They do have a bit of a scowl type look…
Wow it seems incredible that a bird weighing that much flies!
I personally have never seen one fly, but seen so many photos of them in the air… they are really beautiful in flight…
I guess if a plane can fly there’s no reason a 44 pound bird can’t do so! 😉
Snicker! With my bleary eyed no coffee yet vision I thought that bird was called a naughty name at first LOL. That is a big bird there!
I have just commented that I wondered how many may think I miss spelled a word… (or is it spelt?)
what the heck is that! note to self – kori bustard and NOT Kosi Bastard, lol
I was wondering how many people might think I’d made a spelling mistake….
The thought did occur to me then I saw the bird…think happy thoughts…big bird from Sesame Street?