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African houbara

African houbara

Wikipedia

The African houbara, also known as the houbara bustard, is a relatively small bustard native to North Africa, where it lives in arid habitats. The global population is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2014. There is a population in the Canary Islands which was assessed as Near Threatened in 2015, but has since also been assessed as Vulnerable.

Distribution

Region

North Africa and Canary Islands

Typical Environment

Occurs from Western Sahara and Morocco east through Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya to Egypt (including the Sinai), with an isolated subspecies in the Canary Islands (notably Fuerteventura). It favors open semi-desert and stony plains with sparse shrubs and grasses. Birds also use dry wadis, fallow fields, and lightly grazed steppe. In the hottest periods they concentrate near areas with slightly higher vegetation cover or ephemeral green-up after rains.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size55–65 cm
Wing Span120–150 cm
Male Weight1.5 kg
Female Weight1.2 kg
Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The African houbara is a desert-adapted bustard that relies on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators. Males perform striking courtship displays, raising black-and-white neck plumes and running with a puffed ‘ruff.’ It was long lumped with the Asian houbara but is now treated as a separate species. Main threats include hunting/trapping and habitat degradation, and targeted conservation actions occur in North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Canarian houbara in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Canarian houbara in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Houbara bustard egg in the collection of the Museum Wiesbaden

Houbara bustard egg in the collection of the Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and elusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats followed by glides; low, buoyant flight

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in small loose groups outside the breeding season. Males court on display arenas with elaborate, running displays. Nests are shallow ground scrapes, typically with 1–3 eggs, and chicks are precocial. Pairs are generally dispersed across wide territories.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Generally quiet; males give low, bubbling coos and soft grunts during courtship. Displays may include audible wing-whirring and hissing notes at close range.

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