African Houbara
NameAfrican Houbara
Common NameAfrican Houbara
Scientific NameChlamydotis undulata
FamilyOtididae
Wingspan (cm)152.5
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)1750
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy-brown with fine black vermiculations. Underparts are white. The head and neck are pale grey, with prominent black stripes bordered by white feathers on the sides of the neck, which can be erected during display.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but males produce a deep booming call during courtship displays. Other vocalizations include hisses and grunts.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound across North Africa, from Morocco and Western Sahara eastward through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, extending into the Sinai Peninsula.
Identifying Featuressandy-brown cryptic plumage, long grey neck with black and white lateral stripes, erectile white neck feathers, medium-sized bustard, prefers arid and semi-arid environments
Description
The African Houbara is a medium-sized bustard known for its cryptic sandy-brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its arid habitat. It typically walks slowly while foraging for food in desert and semi-desert environments.
