The buff-crested bustard is a medium-sized bird of East Africa; Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya belonging to the family Otididae. The populations are stable and the species is of least concern.
Region
Horn of Africa and northern East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from eastern Ethiopia and Somalia south through eastern Kenya into northern Tanzania, favoring arid and semi-arid landscapes. Typical habitats include Acacia-Commiphora thorn scrub, lightly grassed savanna, and semi-desert with scattered bushes. It avoids dense, tall grass and prefers areas with bare ground for unobstructed foraging and quick escape. After rains it may shift locally to areas of higher insect abundance. It is generally sedentary but shows local nomadic movements tracking resources.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The buff-crested bustard is a small to medium bustard of the Horn of Africa and adjoining East Africa, named for the male’s erectile buff crest used in displays. Males perform striking display flights with whistled calls and a brief parachuting descent. It favors dry thornbush and semi-desert, where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage. The species is assessed as Least Concern with generally stable populations.
A female buff-crested bustard
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs; males hold loose territories and perform aerial and ground displays to attract females. Nesting is on the ground in a shallow scrape, typically with 1–2 well-camouflaged eggs. Chicks are precocial and rely on cryptic coloration and crouching to avoid predators. Outside the breeding season it may form small loose groups where resources concentrate.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives clear, ringing whistles and sharp, metallic notes that carry over open scrub. Display includes a rising flutter, soft wing whirr, and a parachuting descent accompanied by repeated whistles. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
