Savile's Bustard
NameSavile's Bustard
Common NameSavile's Bustard
Scientific NameLophotis savilei
FamilyOtididae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)42.5
Weight (g)700
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy-brown with fine black vermiculations and white spots, providing excellent camouflage. The underparts are white, with adult males displaying a prominent black patch on the belly. The neck is pale buff, and the head shows fine dark streaking.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, low hooting or booming call, often given by males during their display flights. They can also produce a series of soft clucking or croaking sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Sahel region of Africa, its range extends from Mauritania and Senegal in the west, eastward through Mali, Niger, Chad, and into Sudan.
Identifying Featuressmall size for a bustard, cryptic sandy-brown plumage, pale buff neck, black belly patch (males), long, slender legs
Description
The Savile's Bustard is a small, slender bustard with highly cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its arid environment. It is typically found foraging on the ground in dry grasslands and savannas, exhibiting a shy and often solitary behavior. This species is known for its upright posture and deliberate movements.
