White-bellied bustard

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White-bellied bustard
White bellied bustard calling.jpg
Male calling at Maasai Mara, Kenya
CITES Appendix II (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Otidiformes
Family: Otididae
Genus: Eupodotis
Species:
E. senegalensis
Binomial name
Eupodotis senegalensis
(Vieillot, 1821)
Synonyms

Eupodotis barrowii
Eupodotis cafra

The white-bellied bustard or white-bellied korhaan (Eupodotis senegalensis) is an African species of bustard. It is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa in grassland and open woodland habitats. [3] Despite its wide distribution and easily identifiable characteristics, very few studies have been conducted on this species and little is known about its life history and behavior.

Contents

Description

E. s. canicollis, male, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Kenya Eupodotis senegalensis1.jpg
E. s. canicollis, male, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Kenya
Male from Maasai Mara, Kenya White bellied bustard.jpg
Male from Maasai Mara, Kenya
E. s. erlangeri, female, Serengeti, Tanzania White-bellied Bustard, female.jpg
E. s. erlangeri, female, Serengeti, Tanzania
E. s. erlangeri, male, Serengeti, Tanzania White-bellied Bustard, male.jpg
E. s. erlangeri, male, Serengeti, Tanzania

It is one of the smaller bustards, 48 to 61 centimetres (19 to 24 in) long. [4] All are tawny brown above and on the breast and white on the belly, with cream-coloured legs; juveniles have light brown necks and heads, and adults have blue-grey necks. The adult female has a grey crown, a brown and buff line below the eye, and black speckling on the throat. The adult male has a black crown, black lines on the white cheeks, a black throat patch, and a pinkish-red bill. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the males are larger than the females. [5] The call, often given in the early morning and late evening, has been described as "a very loud, guttural k'whuka WHUKa, k'wuka WHUKa..., or k'warrak, k'warrak... [6] [4]

This species is usually seen in pairs or family groups, as young stay with their parents much longer than those of other bustards in the region. [6]

Taxonomy

White-bellied bustards are one of the 26 recognized species of bustards in the Family Otididae (bustards, floricans, korhaans). The species was first named Eupodotis caffra, but was later renamed Eupodotis senegalensis. [7] They are most closely related to the Blue bustard ( Eupodotis caerulescens, sometimes called Blue korhaan). Although taxonomists have sometimes included other bustard species in Eupodotis, the White-bellied and Blue bustard are currently recognized as the only two species of this Genus. [8]

Subspecies

The species is subdivided into subspecies based on distribution and visual differences. The color of the feathers, beak, and legs can be different, as well as the breeding and foraging areas. [7]

Five subspecies are recognized: [9]

This last subspecies is sometimes referred to as its own species (E. barrowii, Barrow's bustard, or Barrow's korhaan), but there have not been enough studies done on the population to confirm its status. [7] [10]

Habitat and distribution

White-bellied bustards are found exclusively on the African continent. Apart from smaller isolated groups, their large range is generally separated in four zones with distinct populations: [7]

Habitat

White-bellied bustards enjoy mostly tall grasslands and savannah. They prefer open areas or bushland with dwarf trees. The West African population is better adapted to more arid weather conditions, and sometimes ventures into the desert during the rainy season. Other populations stick to greener areas of dense tall grass and can also be seen in river plains or cultivated areas. Individuals have been recorded at high elevation (up to 2 000 meters above sea level) in certain parts of Eastern Africa, but most sightings are at 1 500 meter elevations or less, depending on the weather patterns of each region. [7]

Home range

Home ranges or territories for breeding pairs or groups of White-bellied bustards are estimated to be around 40 ha but in certain areas groups were observed to stay 100 ha from each other, potentially indicating a bigger territory.

Behavior

Vocalizations

The White-bellied bustard's calls can be heard year-round, mostly at dusk or dawn or during rainfall. Both males and females vocalize. The most recognizable of its sounds is a croaking call (a guttural "kuk-kur-ruk" or "kuk-kaaah"), which is used in territorial defense among other purposes. This very loud sound can be heard form a distance and often triggers responses from other bustard groups far away. [7]

Diet

White-belied bustards are considered omnivores, as most other species of bustards. They usually eat small invertebrates (mainly beetles, but also termites, locusts, caterpillars, spiders) and plants (seeds, bulbs, berries, flowers). These birds forage by moving low to the ground to find food, sometimes in recently burnt areas. [7]

Reproduction

Breeding

Most aspects of this species' breeding and mate selection are currently unknown. The time of year at which they breed varies greatly depending on the region and subspecies; from March - June in Northeast Africa to October - February in South Africa. Nests are usually a simple unlined scrape in the ground and situated in or under vegetation so that the eggs, chicks, and female can be hidden from predators. This way, the female can leave the nest and escape to safety without drawing attention to its eggs if she is in danger. [7]

Eggs

The White-bellied bustard's eggs are pale to dark olive-colored with darker brown or gray markings. They are usually laid in clutches of one to three. [11] The eggs are incubated by the female. The incubation period is about 23 days in captivity, but has not been studied in the wild. [7]

Status and conservation

The species is considered "Least concern" by the IUCN () due to their large range. In South Africa, White-bellied bustards populations have been classified as "Vulnerable" by the SANBI in 2015 due to local population decline. [12] Human-induced land use change through agriculture, overgrazing, grass burning, and urbanisation are thought to be the main causes of this decline. [13] [14]

Captive breeding

In certain countries, White-bellied bustard chicks have been successfully raised until adulthood in captivity (mostly during the 1990's). [15] There are specific guidelines to be respected by zoos and scientific facilities in these cases. [16] The blood composition, [17] bone structure, [18] and internal organ structure [5] of White-bellied bustards has been studied at different life stages to improve care for injured or sick individuals in captivity.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bustard</span> Family of birds

Bustards, including floricans and korhaans, are large, terrestrial birds living mainly in dry grassland areas and in steppe regions. They range in length from 40 to 150 cm. They make up the family Otididae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great Indian bustard</span> Species of bird

The great Indian bustard or Indian bustard is a bustard occurring on the Indian subcontinent. It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, and is among the heaviest of the flying birds. Once common on the dry grasslands and shrubland in India, as few as 150 individuals were estimated to survive as of 2018, reduced from an estimated 250 individuals in 2011. It is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss. It is protected under the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asian houbara</span> Species of bird

The Asian houbara, also known as MacQueen's bustard, is a large bird in the bustard family. It is native to the desert and steppe regions of Asia, west from the Sinai Peninsula extending across Iran and further north toward Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In the 19th century, vagrants were found as far west of their range as Great Britain. Populations have decreased by 20 to 50% between 1984 and 2004 mainly due to hunting and changes in land-use. The Asian houbara is a partial latitudinal migrant while the African houbara is more sedentary. Both species are the only members of the genus Chlamydotis. The Asian houbara used to be regarded as a subspecies of the African houbara.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape canary</span> Species of bird

The Cape canary is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is a resident breeder in southern Africa and has been introduced to Mauritius and Réunion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denham's bustard</span> Species of bird

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern black korhaan</span> Species of bird

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.

<i>Eupodotis</i> Genus of birds

Eupodotis is a genus of bird in the bustard family Otididae. It contains two species, all restricted to Africa. Species in the genera Afrotis and Lophotis are sometimes included in this genus; however some authorities separate the Karoo korhaan, Rüpell's Korhaan and little brown bustard as a separate genus Heterotetrax.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern black korhaan</span> Species of bird

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue korhaan</span> Species of bird

The blue korhaan or blue bustard is a species of bird in the family Otididae which is native to South Africa. Its call is a series of frog-like croaks, usually uttered in flight. Its natural habitat is plateau grassland, dry shrubland, arable land and pastureland. Its preferred habitat is one with short grassland and flat topography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buff-crested bustard</span> Species of bird

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hartlaub's bustard</span> Species of bird

Hartlaub's bustard is a species of bird in the family Otididae. It is a medium-sized bustard with a long, think neck, and long legs. It is found in open, tall grassland, range from 1600 meters to 2000 meters in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The little brown bustard is a species of bird in the family Otididae. Found in Ethiopia and Somalia, its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. As indicated by its name, this bustard is the world's smallest at 45 cm (18 in) and 600 grams (1.3 lb). It is threatened by habitat destruction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-bellied bustard</span> Species of bird

The black-bellied bustard, also known as the black-bellied korhaan, is an African ground-dwelling bird in the bustard family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rüppell's korhaan</span> Species of bird

Rüppell's korhaan, also known as Rüppell's bustard, is a species of bird in the family Otididae. It is named to recognize Wilhelm Rüppell, a German explorer, collector, and naturalist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-crested korhaan</span> Species of bird

The red-crested korhaan or red-crested bustard is a species of bird in the family Otididae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savile's bustard</span> Species of bird

Savile's bustard is a species of bird in the family Otididae. Otididae are an Old-World and understudied family of birds mostly found in Afro-Tropical regions. It is found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karoo korhaan</span> Species of bird

The karoo korhaan, also known as karoo bustard, is a species of bird in the bustard family, Otididae, from Southern Africa. There are two subspecies, the nominate race, from south-eastern South Africa, and H. v. namaqua, from north-western South Africa and southern Namibia.

<i>Lissotis</i> Genus of birds

Lissotis is a genus of bird in the bustard family, Otididae. Some authorities, such as the IUCN, consider it part of Eupodotis; the separation adopted here follows the Handbook of the Birds of the World.

References

  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Eupodotis senegalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T22691996A93332403. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22691996A93332403.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. Sibley, Charles G.; Monroe, Burt L. Jr. (1990), Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World, Yale University Press, p. 217, ISBN   0-300-04969-2 , retrieved 2010-03-24
  4. 1 2 "White-bellied Bustard | Eupodotis senegalensis | Species Guide | Birda". Birda: Birdwatching Community. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
  5. 1 2 Bailey, T. A.; Mensah-Brown, E. P.; Samour, J. H.; Naldo, J.; Lawrence, P.; Garner, A. (October 1997). "Comparative morphology of the alimentary tract and its glandular derivatives of captive bustards". Journal of Anatomy. 191 (3): 387–398. doi:10.1046/j.1469-7580.1997.19130387.x. ISSN   0021-8782. PMC   1467696 . PMID   9418995.
  6. 1 2 Zimmerman, Dale A.; Turner, Donald A.; Pearson, David J. (1999), Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania, Princeton University Press, pp. 76–77, 328, ISBN   0-691-01022-6
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Kirwan, Guy M.; Collar, Nigel; Garcia, Ernest; Boesman, Peter F. D. (2021). "White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis), version 2.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.whbbus2.02. ISSN   2771-3105.
  8. Cohen, C. (2011). The phylogenetics, taxonomy and biogeography of African arid zone terrestrial birds : the bustards (Otididae), sandgrouse (Pteroclidae), coursers (Glareolidae) and Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus). (Thesis). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Biological Sciences. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10316
  9. White-bellied Bustard, Internet Bird Collection
  10. "Eupodotis [senegalensis or barrowii] (White-bellied or Barrow's Bustard) - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
  11. de Klerk de Klerk, W. (November 1941). "2. NOTES ON KORHAANS, THE BLUE CRANE, AND SOME PLOVERS of the Adelaide District". The Ostrich. 12 (2): 75–81. doi:10.1080/00306525.1941.9634635. ISSN   0030-6525.
  12. RED LIST OF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES (January 2015). "Eupodotis senegalensis (Vieillot, 1821)". SANBI. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  13. Allan, D. G. (2005). Roberts birds of southern Africa (PDF). pp. 304–305.
  14. Moreira, Francisco (2004-06-01). "Distribution patterns and conservation status of four bustard species (Family Otididae) in a montane grassland of South Africa". Biological Conservation. 118 (1): 91–100. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2003.07.011. ISSN   0006-3207.
  15. Bailey, Tom A.; Naldo, Jesus; Samour, Jaime H.; Sleigh, Ian M.; Howlett, Judith C. (1997). "Bustard Pediatric Diseases: A Review of Clinical and Pathologic Findings". Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 11 (3): 166–174. ISSN   1082-6742. JSTOR   30133121.
  16. AZA Gruiformes TAG. 2020. Bustard (Otididae) Care Manual (2nd ed.). Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/bustard_care_manual_second_edition_2020.pdf
  17. Bailey, T. A.; Wernery, U.; Naldo, J.; Howlett, J.; Samour, J. H. (1998-06-01). "Normal blood chemistry and age-related changes in the white-bellied bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis), with some clinical observations". Comparative Haematology International. 8 (2): 61–65. doi:10.1007/BF02642492. ISSN   1433-2973.
  18. Naldo, J. L.; Bailey, T. A.; Samour, J. H. (2000-12-01). "Radiographic analysis of the growth rate of long bones in bustards". Research in Veterinary Science. 69 (3): 233–240. doi:10.1053/rvsc.2000.0416. ISSN   0034-5288.