What to Know About the Black-bellied Bustard in Uganda?

The Black-Bellied Bustard in Uganda is one of the African birds in Uganda seen during birding safaris. It is also called the black-bellied korhaan in the bustard family. It dwells in Africa, and it is a large terrestrial omnivores bird living mainly in dry grassland.

How Does the Black-bellied Bustard in Uganda Look Like?

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.

How Does the Black-bellied Bustard in Uganda Sing and Make Calls?

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.

How Does the Black-bellied Bustard in Uganda Feed?

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.