Denham's bustard, Stanley bustard or Stanley's bustard is a large bird in the bustard family. It breeds in much of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a species of open ground, including agricultural land, grassland, flood-plains and burnt fynbos. It is resident, but some inland populations move to lower altitudes in winter. The common names for this species refer to the English explorer, Major Dixon Denham, and the English naturalist Edward Smith-Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
This species occupies open habitats including short to medium-height grasslands, savannas, floodplains, and mosaic agricultural land. It readily uses recently burned fynbos and other post-fire landscapes where prey is exposed and vegetation is low. It avoids dense forest and very tall, closed grass, preferring expansive visibility for predator detection. Populations in interior highlands may shift downslope in winter to warmer, lower-lying plains.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Denham's bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird of African grasslands and savannas, notable for the bold white patches that flash on its wings in flight. Males perform striking displays, puffing the neck and raising feathers while emitting deep calls to attract females. It favors recently burned areas and open farmland, which can provide easy foraging but also exposes the species to disturbance and hunting pressure.
Temperament
wary and largely solitary
Flight Pattern
reluctant to fly; heavy, deliberate wingbeats followed by level glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in small, loose groups, especially outside the breeding season. The species is polygynous; males display at traditional sites, while females select nest sites and raise the young alone. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, and chicks are precocial, following the female soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are low, booming notes and guttural grunts, most frequent at dawn and dusk during display. At close range, soft croaks and clucks may be heard between foraging birds.
