Kori Bustard Species Survival Plan
A collaboration between zoos, field scientists, and educators.
Natural History
The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) is divided into two subspecies - Ardeotis kori kori (southern) and Ardeotis kori struthiunculus (eastern). These populations are divided by the miombo woodland of central Africa. Both subspecies are found in grasslands and wooded savannas.
Description
Color: Mottled grayish-buff with dark brown, irregular lines and a black crest. The chin, throat, and neck are creamy white mixed with black bands. The southern subspecies is slightly taller than the eastern subspecies. Males and females look similar in color.
Height: Males stand about 1.37 meters (4.5 feet) tall and females half the size of males with slimmer necks and legs.
Weight: Males of the eastern subspecies weigh between seven and 14 kg (15-31 lb); females weigh three to six kg (6.5-13 lb). Males of the southern subspecies weigh between 13 and 18 kg (29-40 lb); females weigh six to seven kg (13-15 lb). At these sizes, males are some of the heaviest flying birds!
The kori bustard has no preen gland. In order to keep clean, they produce a powder down. Kori bustards also clean and maintain their feathers by sun bathing and dust bathing.
Predators
Jackals, hyenas, lions, eagles, leopards, caracals, and humans. Kori bustards prefer to run away from any danger, although they will fly.
Diet
Omnivorous (eat both animal and vegetable substances) with insects the majority of their diet. They will also consume small vertebrates such as mammals, lizards, snakes and birds. Seeds and berries are also eaten as well as the gum from Acacia trees, earning them the name "Gompou" (Africaans for gum-eating bird). Kori bustards feed mostly in the early morning and late afternoon and rest druing the heat of the day.
Description
Color: Mottled grayish-buff with dark brown, irregular lines and a black crest. The chin, throat, and neck are creamy white mixed with black bands. The southern subspecies is slightly taller than the eastern subspecies. Males and females look similar in color.
Height: Males stand about 1.37 meters (4.5 feet) tall and females half the size of males with slimmer necks and legs.
Weight: Males of the eastern subspecies weigh between seven and 14 kg (15-31 lb); females weigh three to six kg (6.5-13 lb). Males of the southern subspecies weigh between 13 and 18 kg (29-40 lb); females weigh six to seven kg (13-15 lb). At these sizes, males are some of the heaviest flying birds!
The kori bustard has no preen gland. In order to keep clean, they produce a powder down. Kori bustards also clean and maintain their feathers by sun bathing and dust bathing.
Predators
Jackals, hyenas, lions, eagles, leopards, caracals, and humans. Kori bustards prefer to run away from any danger, although they will fly.
Diet
Omnivorous (eat both animal and vegetable substances) with insects the majority of their diet. They will also consume small vertebrates such as mammals, lizards, snakes and birds. Seeds and berries are also eaten as well as the gum from Acacia trees, earning them the name "Gompou" (Africaans for gum-eating bird). Kori bustards feed mostly in the early morning and late afternoon and rest druing the heat of the day.
Photo by Stephanie Kuwasaki
Kori Facts:
- The kori bustard has only three front toes, which are short, broad, and well adapted for running. With no hind toe, it cannot perch.
- When alarmed, both males and females will give a loud bark or perform the "shock display" in which the bird bows forward, lifts its tail feathers, and spreads its wings in order to appear larger to any potential predator.
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