Northern black korhaan

The northern black korhaan, also known as the white-quilled bustard, is a species of bird in the bustard family, Otididae. It is widely distributed across Southern Africa. Its habitat is primarily open grassland and scrub.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from Namibia and Botswana into western and northern South Africa, with local presence in southern Angola and Zimbabwe. Prefers open grasslands, arid and semi-arid savannas, and thorn scrub, especially on sandy Kalahari soils. Often uses areas with scattered shrubs and short grasses, avoiding dense woodland or very tall grass. Frequently seen along tracks, overgrazed pastures, and recently burned patches where insects are abundant.

Altitude Range

200–1800 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size50–60 cm

Wing Span85–95 cm

Male Weight1.1 kg

Female Weight0.9 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the white-quilled bustard, the northern black korhaan is a ground-dwelling member of the bustard family found across the arid savannas of southern Africa. Males perform conspicuous display flights with loud, crackling calls, while females are more cryptic and rely on camouflage. It benefits from open habitats, including lightly grazed rangeland and occasionally fallow fields. The species is generally tolerant of dry conditions and can be locally common where suitable cover and food persist.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low glides

Social Behavior

Males advertise from prominent spots and perform short display flights, often calling loudly; they are generally polygynous. Nesting is a simple ground scrape, typically with 1–2 eggs, well hidden in grass or scrub. Females alone incubate and rear the downy chicks, which are precocial and mobile soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

The call is a loud, rasping, crackling series often rendered as kraak-kraak followed by rattling notes, given during display flights or from the ground. At close range, additional clucks and cackles may be heard, especially at dawn and dusk.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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