The Arabian bustard is a species of bustard which is found across the Sahel region of Africa and south western Arabia. It is part of the large-bodied genus, Ardeotis, and, though little known, appears to be a fairly typical species in that group.
Region
Sahel and southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Sahel belt of Africa (e.g., Senegal to Sudan) into southwestern Arabia, notably Yemen and southwest Saudi Arabia. Prefers open grasslands, sparse thorn scrub, Acacia savannas, and lightly wooded plains. It also uses dry riverbeds (wadis), fallow fields, and pastoral landscapes with scattered shrubs. Nests on the ground in areas with good visibility and sparse cover, relying on cryptic plumage for concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Arabian bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird of open savannas and semi-arid plains across the Sahel and southwestern Arabia. It relies on superb camouflage and a wary demeanor, often freezing to avoid detection. Males perform impressive courtship displays with puffed plumage and low booming calls. The species has declined in parts of its range due to hunting and habitat degradation.
Ardeotis arabs - MHNT
Ardeotis arabs lynesi - MHNT
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with heavy, deliberate wingbeats; short glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs; small groups may form where food is abundant. Males are polygynous and perform display rituals on open ground. Nesting is on the ground with a clutch of 1–2 eggs; chicks are precocial and follow the adult soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Mostly quiet, but males give deep booming notes and low grunts during display. Alarm calls are harsher, including croaks and clucks.
Plumage
Mottled sandy-brown upperparts with fine barring and pale underparts; flight feathers dark with a contrasting white wing panel.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore feeding on large insects (locusts, beetles), other invertebrates, and small vertebrates such as lizards and small rodents. It also eats seeds, shoots, buds, and berries when available. Diet composition shifts seasonally with rainfall and insect eruptions.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open grasslands, lightly grazed savannas, and along wadis and field margins. Often walks slowly while picking prey from the ground and may probe lightly in soft soil.
