The Black-Bellied Bustard in Uganda is one of the African birds in Uganda seen during birding safaris.
Also known as the black-bellied korhaan, this large terrestrial omnivore belongs to the bustard family and mainly lives in dry grasslands across Africa.
Many visitors on Uganda birdwatching safaris and Africa birding tours treasure the chance to spot this impressive bird, making birding in Uganda truly rewarding.
The black-bellied bustard is a large bird with length 58–65 cm. Its bill, feet and legs are duller, the upper parts of the male have dark and brown spots on the tawny buff background while the lower plumage is black.
It has a long and thin neck; the lower plumage and breast is dark. The upper layer of wings is white but brownish at the base.
The flight feathers have black adverts. The white wings which contrast with the black underparts van be visible when the bird stands.
The female is plain buff, cryptically marked with darker brown mottling on the back, neck and breast. The young are greyer and darker.
The neck and rump patterns of both sexes, the male’s white chin and lores, and the female’s vermiculations are points that distinguish this species from its close relative, Hartlaub’s bustard.
During courtship displays, Males can be heard giving a short rising wheezy whistle, zhweeeeee, it stands still, and slowly erects the head and give a popping quock or plop followed by soft gurgling.
Adult feed on herbs, grains, seeds and fruits, they feed on almost all plants which are natural to the open areas.
They can also eat small mammals like field mice, and also enjoy insects and earthworms. The chicks are fed with insects.
Robert
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