The Australian bustard is a large ground-dwelling bird that is common in grassland, woodland and open agricultural country across northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It stands at about one metre high, and its wingspan is around twice that length. The species is nomadic, flying to areas when food becomes plentiful, and capable of travelling long distances. They were once widespread and common to the open plains of Australia, but became rare in regions that have been used for farming. The bustard is omnivorous, mostly consuming the fruit or seed of plants, but also eating invertebrates such as crickets, grasshoppers, smaller mammals, birds and reptiles.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Found across northern Australia with scattered populations extending into arid and semi-arid interiors, and in southern lowland New Guinea. Prefers open grasslands, savannas, lightly wooded plains, and agricultural stubble or fallow fields. It avoids dense forests but uses shrublands and floodplains where visibility is high. After fires or rain, it may move quickly to exploit new growth and insect flushes. Nests are simple ground scrapes placed in open areas with good visibility.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of Australia’s heaviest flying birds, the Australian bustard is wary and often freezes to avoid detection in open country. Males perform dramatic lek displays, inflating the neck and producing deep booms to attract females. It has declined in some southern areas due to habitat change and hunting, but remains more common in the tropical north. The species features in Indigenous cultures and benefits from fire regimes that promote patchy, open habitats.
Mount Carbine, Australia
Male in mating display
Illustration of egg by Harriet Morgan
Bustard at Kingfisher Park in Queensland
Ardeotis australis in front of a bushfire
In flight
Hunters with a bustard in Arnhemland, circa 1920
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with slow, deep wingbeats; capable of long, steady flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in small loose groups, especially where food is abundant. Males gather at traditional leks and perform elaborate displays with inflated necks and booming calls; the species is polygynous. Nests are simple ground scrapes with typically 1–2 eggs, and chicks are precocial and well-camouflaged.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but males produce deep, resonant booming notes during display that can carry over long distances. Other vocalizations include low grunts and clucks, with soft alarm notes when disturbed.
