The southern black korhaan, also known as the black bustard, is a species of bird in the bustard family, Otididae. This small bustard is found in southwestern South Africa, from Namaqualand, south to Cape Town and east to Makhanda. It prefers semi-arid habitats such as grasslands, shrublands and savannas where it can easily prey on ground-dwelling arthropods and eat seeds. It reproduces yearly in the spring and will lay about one or two eggs per breeding season.
Region
Southwestern and southern South Africa (Cape Provinces)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Namaqualand south to the Western Cape and east to around Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. Favours semi-arid open habitats, including fynbos edges, renosterveld, Karoo scrub, coastal shrublands, and lightly grazed or fallow agricultural fields. Avoids dense forest and very tall, dense vegetation where visibility is poor. Nests on the ground in open patches with low cover, typically in spring.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The southern black korhaan is a small bustard endemic to South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape, where males give loud, grating calls from exposed perches during spring. Males are boldly patterned black and white, while females are cryptic and well-camouflaged in mottled browns. It nests on the ground with typically one or two eggs, relying on camouflage and vigilance rather than concealment. Agricultural expansion and habitat fragmentation are principal pressures on this species.
Southern black korhaan (Afrotis afra) - male
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending display areas in spring. Courtship includes loud calling, wing-flashing, and short display flights. A simple ground scrape serves as the nest, with 1–2 eggs and both sexes vigilant around the nesting area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Male gives loud, grating, rattling notes that carry over open country, often delivered from a mound or low bush. Alarm calls are harsh and abrupt, and females are generally quieter and more secretive.
Plumage
Male with black head, throat, breast and belly, contrasted by bold white wing patches and a mottled brown back; female is finely mottled and barred brown above with paler underparts, providing strong camouflage.
Diet
Takes ground-dwelling arthropods such as beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and ants, supplemented by seeds, bulbs, and shoots. Opportunistically feeds on flowers and small fruits when available. Forages by walking and pecking on the ground, using keen eyesight to spot moving prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open, low vegetation within semi-arid shrublands, short grasslands, and lightly disturbed farmlands. Often uses track edges, bare patches, and termite mounds where prey is concentrated and visibility is good.
